TOWAMENCIN – Like it or not, there are some realties attached to North Penn that make it stand out among its counterparts. North Penn High School is a school of over 3,000 students. It is one of the biggest high schools in Pennsylvania in terms of student enrollment. North Penn is a household name and is prestigious, since its academic and athletic tradition is well known and storied. Because of these realities, the student body’s presence should be felt in the atmosphere at every school event and activity. The most populated events at the high school, or any high school for that matter, are the sporting events.  However, those droves of students representing the school and showing North Penn pride are sometimes hard to find on nights of games and competitions. It’s a travesty in itself that the word “little” has to be associated with North Penn in any regard, and certainly when dealing with fan attendance. When students don’t show support for their peers, and ultimately, their school, it does little the boost the morale of the school and amongst the players..

In order to spark student spirit in the winter, the athletic department made an impactful decision to boost the student attendance, and reduce the number of empty seats at winter sports functions, by not making students pay for admission, as long as they have their I.D present.

“It was a change that was implemented after Mr. [Kyle] Berger spoke with individuals in the ICC, and also reached out to SGA members, and asked what could we do to increase attendance at sporting events. The most common answer was the cost to go to these events was just too much. We thought about reducing the cost, but finally after talking to Dr. [Curt] Dietrich, we decided to have our students admitted for free in hopes of, number one, increasing attendance, but number two, to try and generate some school spirit,” said athletic director Bill Bartle, who explained how the decision to eliminate an admission fee came about. He also talked about the successes of the winter sports team this season, and encouraged students to be a part of that success.

The change came after the season openers for the winter sports, which did not generate enough student support. The girls basketball team, which has enjoyed unprecedented success in recent years, has struggled to fill the bleachers at homes games this season.

“We’re excited Mr. Bartle looked into this and thought this was a good idea and followed through with it, and I think it’s a great opportunity for the students to come out and get in for free to see their fellow classmates play. I think it’ll be good”, said girls head basketball coach Maggie DeMarteleire of the new change.

One of her players, Jess Huber likes the new decision as well.

“I think the free admission is smart, and will bring out more support.”

Likewise, boys basketball coach John Conrad said, “I think it’s a great idea where kids can come out and watch their classmates. It’s a positive thing to do.”

A strong student support section at sports outings, can really benefit a team, and that is the hope with all North Penn sports. Head wrestling coach Robert Shettsline claimed that more school spirit and student support could help motivate and encourage his team.

“This will get more fans out, and they can cheer the guys on and bring back the school spirit. I think our guys will wrestle better and definitely want it more by their friends showing up.”