Whether it is a semi-final game with high stakes or a season-opening scrimmage, the sports teams at Woodgrove High School always have their biggest supporter there to cheer on the athletes. Isaiah Wilson, a Class of 2019 graduate from Tuscarora High School, contributes to the atmosphere of every game he attends with a big smile and positive attitude. Over the years, he has gained many friends and even more admirers, but one thing is still not for certain: Why does Wilson feel such a strong urge to support Woodgrove sports?
For the past two years, Wilson has been a prominent figure in the stands at every game he attends. When Wilson is not hard at work at his job at Riverside High School, he is cheering on his friends, especially the ones on the girls basketball team. Wilson was originally introduced to Woodgrove sports by members of the girls basketball team, and he now tries to attend all of their games and support them every chance that he gets. “Isaiah always makes our game environment so much more than just a basketball game,” freshman basketball player Taylor Nishiyama commented. “He makes posters for the players and he encourages us throughout the whole game.” Although Wilson has only known Nishiyama for a year, he has been there to cheer her on at all of her games and cannot wait to continue that tradition next season.
As the seniors that Wilson grew his original connections with on the girls basketball team near graduation, it is a bittersweet moment for Wilson. However, he is still greatly excited to cheer on the underclassmen, the future of the team. “I love that they work really, really hard every day. The season might be over, but I’m still proud of them,” expressed Wilson.
Come spring, Wilson is excited to begin going to track meets, softball games, baseball games, soccer games, and lacrosse games. Although he does not know him personally, sophomore baseball player Hudson Jappell recognizes the spirit and cheeriness that follows Wilson to the stands of the baseball games. “He is always trying to hype players up and the crowd,” stated Jappell.
Although he is not a student at Woodgrove, Wilson has more school spirit and pep than almost anybody at school games and events. By making it his goal to be as supportive as possible towards his friends and everyone he meets, Wilson brings a great amount of love and positivity to athletes, strangers, teachers, and everybody in between. “I want to support [people] to the best of my ability. It doesn’t matter if you’re doing a sport, it doesn’t matter if you’re teaching, or anything like that,” Wilson emphasized. “I just want to be there for people.”