Finding the perfect-fit college is no easy task for high school seniors, with a multitude of factors that need to be taken into consideration. Some prefer being in a city, while others want a sprawling, green campus. Some want to be close to home, while others want to travel far. One common theme amongst CHS seniors is taking a school’s sports programs into account when making their final college decision.
Senior Max Lovas of Brielle committed to Rutgers University over his second-choice school, Pennsylvania State University. Both universities are in the Big Ten Conference, which primarily consists of larger state schools in the north, and have multi-million dollar football programs and a spirit-focused student body. Lovas expressed a particular interest towards these ideals.
Lovas said, “I love the school spirit that comes with these schools that have big sports programs and the other things that come with it, like tailgating. I really want a lot of school spirit.”
Emily Widmer of Freehold had similar ideals when considering her final choice. Widmer recently committed to the University of South Carolina over Clemson University, Rutgers University and the University of Connecticut. Widmer believes sports programs at a large school will allow for a better social life.
“I think [sports] plays a big role, because that’s what I’m going to be doing on the weekends. I’d rather pick a school with better football than basketball than no sports at all,” Widmer said.
Oceanport native and future Clemson University Tiger, Kate Ruane, says athletics played a large role in her final decision. Clemson University is known for its large athletics culture and college football dynasty, which has won two national championships since 2016.
Ruane said, “Clemson is huge for all sports but what makes it special is football season. The entire stadium is always packed and sold out, there are lots and lots filled with tailgates, and the school spirit during football season is unmatched!”
As CHS seniors enter their final months in high school, many are going to experience a wave of new opportunities and new ways to show school spirit at their college. Taking an interest into their university’s sports lets the competitive attitude CHS students are best known for live on. Though they may not be able to participate in Color Wars or Spirit Week, their competitive personalities shine as they support their future college. Whether it’s tailgating the football game on a Saturday afternoon, or cramming in the stands to get in the student section at the basketball game, there are endless ways students can engage in the signature school spirit college is known for.
