Two bits, four bits, six bits, a dollar; all for school sports stand up an holler.
From the hollering going on in stadiums and gymnasiums in Utah County, it's evident school sporting events and rivalries are still an important part of a teenager's life.For teens who don't play sports, most schools offer other ways to be part of the sports scene, such as the cheerleading squad, drill teams, marching bands and pep clubs. Parents and teachers also have a high profile in school sports, and if the team is winning the whole city is on hand.
Mayor David Holdaway of Pleasant Grove, home of the Vikings, recently proclaimed Feb. 15-20 as Wrestling State Championship Week in honor of the high school's victorious wrestlers.
But for teenagers not involved with these activities, do sports still influence social life? According to some, yes.
"When the school has games, that's the best time to hang out or meet people, basically," said Peggy Bosley, 17, Pleasant Grove High School. "Otherwise, there's nowhere to go at night."
Two male students from Orem High, where the Tigers reign, said attending sporting events is a great way to "check out the babes."
Being involved with high school sports can become the whole focus of a teen's life - and empty his or her parents' wallets.
Carla DeGraffenried said her sons' involvement with high school basketball at Payson High School (the Lions) keeps the entire family busy.
"We follow them everywhere, and it takes a lot of time, especially during basketball season," she said. "I would hate to have them not have it. It's an important part of growing up. It keeps them in shape and out of trouble."
Teens who are serious about sports are often involved in year-round tournaments and camps - at a cost.
DeGraffenried said she has spent as much as $200 for one camp, and her sons have attended several.
"When you have a whole bunch of those it adds up," she said. "In our case it worked out - our son got a full (sports) scholarship."
Boys don't have a corner on high school sports, either. Just ask Marie Hjorth. Her four daughters have all been involved with sports at Spanish Fork High School.
Hjorth said her oldest daughter played on the Dons' tennis team before graduating. The second daughter, who played volleyball and basketball at Spanish Fork High, is now a student athlete at the University of Washington at Seattle. The two youngest daughters are currently on their school's volleyball and basketball teams.
"My daughters have had a real love affair with sports," Hjorth said. "I'm very grateful they have so many options in school, and that the choices are there. For my daughters it's very important."