With the football season fast approaching, players, cheerleaders, and fans are feeling the excitement that comes with the first game of the year.

Students all around West spend weeks leading up to the first game of the season, buzzing with excitement. Whether it be what the theme of the game is going to be, or if West is going to bring home a victory, football season isn’t taken lightly in the West halls.

The players have been practicing since mid-summer in preparation for the season to come. With summer practices comes summer heat, but according to left guard Carlos Herrera, it’s worth it for the Spartans.

“Our mental focus is good, we’re out there in the hot sun getting it done, and we’re ready to show up at the first game,” Herrera said.

The players aren’t the only team working hard to get ready for the upcoming season. The Greeley West cheer and Poms teams have been getting ready to encourage the support and school spirit in the crowd; the cheer team possibly bringing some new traditions with them.

“We actually just redid our fight song which is a big change to a classic we’ve been doing for years,” senior cheerleader Lexi Baldwin said.

Fans are also getting excited, already planning the theme for the first game. Hundreds of students plan on coming out to support their fellow Spartans.

Senior Isaiah Torrez has been a fan in the stands since his freshman year at West. “It’s always a good time sitting under the lights, cheering on kids we get to see on a daily basis,” Torrez said.

Excitement and anticipation will continue to build as the first game grows closer. The game is still a month away – West plays its first three games on the road.  The Spartans will face off against Chatfield High School on Thursday, September 26 in their home opener.