After the football team scores a touchdown against Edison, Matt Gemeinhardt (’17) waves the FV flag as the Loud Crowd cheers, filling up the stadium with their spirit. Photo by Sandra Onby Olivia Krueger and Bethany Pham, Staff Writers
Fountain Valley High School (FVHS), undeniably, has some of the most school spirit in the Huntington Beach School District, and FVHS’s Loud Crowd, “The Kingdom” plays a big part in keeping sports fans pumped up at many sporting events throughout the year. Associated Student Body (ASB) Spirit Commission coordinators Bianca Jose (’17), Daniel Nguyen (’17), Natalie Scott (’19) and Emily Sweeney (’18) assemble and lead Loud Crowd.
“Loud Crowd is basically the student section for football games, basketball games and any other sporting event,” said Nguyen. “It’s mainly where the students come, and we lead cheers and try to hype up the team as much as possible, and we just want people to have a good time there while supporting their team.”
Having such an official name like Loud Crowd may make the group appear very organizational and structured, but ASB Spirit Commission has asserted that Loud Crowd is just a name for the inclusive and casual cluster of Baron spectators to let loose and cheer on their teams.
“It’s very informal, I would say,” Scott said. “It’s everyone coming in the color theme of the game, hanging out, going with your friends. A lot of people go that don’t go to Fountain Valley and hang out and have fun.”
According to the Spirit Commission, Loud Crowd evolved from pure Baron spirit. Before its inception, spectators still brought their support, but Loud Crowd excels in harmonizing their morale.
“Well, I don’t think it ever [had] a history type of thing,” said Nguyen. “In every sporting event, there’s always gonna be that student section, and now it’s more centralized in a way so that people kinda focus on the Loud Crowd. All the spirited kids would sit wherever before, but I feel like now it’s one section of all the crazy kids who want to have a good time and be super loud and cheer on the team.”
Not only does Loud Crowd raise morale, but it simply establishes a more enjoyable environment, amping up the fun that onlookers have.
“[Loud Crowd] makes going to games really fun because, sometimes, you go to games you just sit around and watch them, but I feel like when you’re more interactive and loud, and just having fun with all your friends around you, it’s a lot more fun,” said Nguyen.
Leading Loud Crowd creates powerful experiences for each of the Spirit Commission coordinators as well, all reporting that they feel exceptional pride in their school when they interact with the crowd and are able to conduct synchronized cheers.
“Being able to lead the loud crowd is definitely something,” said Scott. “I know me and the people in my commission love hearing the crowd respond to us, and it just makes us feel like, ‘Alright, we’re supporting our boys and our team!’ and they love it.”
Although Loud Crowd brings out a good amount of students to each sporting event, the response from football and basketball fans are unlike no other.
“Football is fun because it’s the high school sport, everyone loves to support it. Basketball, as well, is up there,” said Scott.
Loud Crowd’s “Welcome to Our Kingdom” black T-shirts are available at the activities office. Purchase and wear them for blackout sporting events and other spirit days.
“If you’re going to games you should just sit in the loud crowd because it’s fun, it’s a cool vibe, and it’s all the kids of your school supporting that game and your team,” said Scott. “So, if you do go to games, and you see a group of loud, crazy kids with balloons, definitely go and sit there, and it’ll be an experience.”
