Northwood’s student section, the “Nuthouse,” is taking school spirit to the next level as members have created their own ESPN sports commentator table. Sitting at the very front of the crowd at basketball games in the Northwood gym, students are able to put headphones on and offer commentary about the game, acting as unofficial sports commentators while watching the boys and girls teams play.  

The three juniors in charge, Jackson Shaner, Taylor Laberge and Seth Davis, play a major role in the Nuthouse. They are the brains behind the ESPN table, as well as Nuthouse leaders.

“The nuthouse is just trying to hype up our basketball teams and show that we are here to support.” Shaner said. “Bringing props in, like the ESPN table, helps show that.”

The original idea was created by both Shaner and Davis; Laberge was later asked to join in. The table is another way the Nuthouse can celebrate Northwood sports while being creative in ways to boost popularity. 

Although seating is not officially assigned at basketball games, students often spot the trio at the bottom of the student section cheering the team on. The ESPN table made its first debut at the formal wear-themed basketball game on Dec. 17. The attraction of the table was all a part of the boys’ plan to get more people to come out and support the Chargers. 

“We’re really trying to get more people to come to the games,” Laberge said. “That’s the biggest thing right now.”

The group plans to bring the table to most games, but this will depend on how many nuthouse members show up and the number of other game attendants.

The table was such a hit that  pictures were sent to friends from students seated in the nuthouse area via text message and DM, as well as Snapchat stories to get students to come out and see the table for themselves.  Students were big fans of the idea, as the table reappeared for the second time at Northwood’s jersey-themed game. 

“The table was really cool to see up close because of how into it the people sitting at it were,” an anonymous student said. “The guys were leading us to cheer and participate.” 

To Shaner, leadership in the nuthouse is all about promoting the skilled athletes on the court. 

“The best part of the nuthouse is getting to watch our basketball teams play because they are both very talented, as well as getting to enjoy it with your friends,” Shaner said.

As for the extra trappings that come with the table itself, the three boys took to their own resources, buying and borrowing special equipment from their parents.

“Our equipment is mostly stuff we had except for the table cloth,” Shaner said. “ The table cloth…was painted by [junior] Zoe Hatzidakis.” 

The ESPN table is now a highlight attendees look forward to at basketball games, and a new addition to how Northwood shows school spirit. 

“The nuthouse helps us celebrate our wins and good plays,” sophomore varsity basketball player Drake Powell said. “The games wouldn’t be the same without them.” 

🚨Upcoming men and women’s basketball games!🚨

Girls:

HOME Saturday Jan. 8@ 5:30

AWAY Friday  Jan. 14@ 6:00

HOME  Wednesday Jan. 19 @ 6:00 

Boys: 

AWAY  Friday Jan. 14 @ 7:30

HOME Wednesday  Jan. 19 @ 7:30

HOME Friday Jan. 21 @ 7:30