Well junior year has finally begun and so has the war to find a Spirit Squad. Don’t know what Spirit Squad is? Spirit Squad is a Madison time-honored tradition intended to increase school spirit.  Critics of Spirit Squad, however, say that this practice is basically a way for senior girls to become personal “cheerleaders” for their male counterparts, just without all the jumping and backflips. The idea of Spirit Squad is that a girl pairs up with any boy and then brings him food to all his games and wears his last name on the back of a sweatshirt. So why are girls getting so hyped up over Spirit Squad? And why are juniors starting to pick their Spirit Squad now when senior year is eleven months away? MDO sat down with senior Rae Crescas to ask for her opinion and views on Spirit Squad

MDO: Why do you think Spirit Squad is such a big thing?

RC: I think Spirit Squad is exciting for everyone because it’s something that comes along with being a senior. Everyone is so excited for their senior year that they decide to choose their Spirit Squad early.

MDO: Why did you want to do Spirit Squad?

RC: I personally only did Spirit Squad because I wanted the sweatshirt, but I know that a lot of people do Spirit Squad because they enjoy going to the games and supporting their friends.

MDO: What is your opinion on Spirit Squad?

RC: I think the idea of Spirit Squad can be seen as sexist. This was the first year that boys have also been offered the option to buy apparel which made the whole idea of Spirit Squad seem a little less sexist.  

MDO: What do you think about the juniors already starting to pick their Spirit Squads even though it’s a year away?

RC: I think it’s a little early, but at the same time, that’s the way it’s always been. My grade officially picked their Spirit Squads in August, but many had already decided way before then. I think there’s no difference between picking now and picking this summer when the apparel is being ordered. Either way, everyone who wants a Spirit Squad, will end up with a Spirit Squad.

Looking forward to Spirit Squad is like looking forward to prom. Senior year is an exciting time in everyone’s life and Spirit Squad is one of those exciting things that comes along with being a senior. So whether you’re a senior now or an upcoming senior, just remember not to get too caught up in the drama of Spirit Squad. Even if you aren’t taking part in Spirit Squad, you should still go to the games and support your friends (and maybe even steal their food).