Williston teachers are driven, supportive, and want the best for all of us as students. But when Williston athletes hit the field, there’s a whole different support system that keeps us going.

The Wildest Cats are the driving force for school spirit. The group, started in 2014 by Marie Innarelli, plans themes for games and other events and brings an array of props, including foam fingers, towels, and body paint, for fans in the stands. The rowdy crew also invents cheers to keep the crowd roaring throughout games.

Most of the people who run the Wildest Cats are seniors; the group is run by senior Makenna Hambley.

As head of the Cats and the activities committee, Hambley decides the theme for games and which game she and her Cats crew will cover. Then she does face paint, grilling, and any fundraising. When people are properly painted and propped, she gets in front of everyone and leads the student section in cheers.

“In order to get everyone to come [to games] we have to do three basic things,” Hambley said. “Pick a cool theme that is easy for everyone to participate in. Pick a game and time that most people have free; some Saturdays aren’t ideal because so many teams are at their own games.” Lastly, Hambley said, it’s integral that the seniors lead by example.

“When the senior class goes it is more likely that the other classes will go,” she said.

Senior Leah Pezanowski is a member of the Wildest Cats. She said the group “has a large impact on our student body. Seeing students involved and excited about our school changes the atmosphere for everybody. People want to have fun together.”

Being in the Wildest Cats also affords Pezanowski the opportunity to show her true spirit. And she’s got advice for people who may be nervous to put themselves out there.

“Getting the fans excited is the most fun,” she said. “You just need to get crazy and not feel like people are judging you. That’s why Williston is great. I can get up in front of the fan section at games screaming my head of and people are totally into it.”

“Crowds are a lot better when the Wildest Cats are around,” said senior Wildest Cats member Will Fokas. “More cats, more fun.”

The Wildest Cats work hard in order to get students cheering for the green and blue. Wildest Cats meet once a week to plan for the weekend’s activities. Contact Makenna Hambley for more information.