DGS SuperFans a Force of School Spirit

There’s a new movement of student support for South’s athletic teams, led by four seniors (one of whom tends to dress in a blue body suit).

They’re called the SuperFans, an official student group organized to support South athletics, from cross country and softball to football and basketball.

In neon, blue on blue or pink, in a "white out" or "black out," you’ll see them cheering their hearts out at designated “Pack the Place” volleyball matches, swim meets, softball and other games.

The story of the Downers Grove South SuperFans began last year, when a group of students approached Student Activities Director John Aldworth to start an official cheering fan group.

It had been one of Aldworth and Rancy Konstans’ goals for such a group to exist at South, much like the Orange Crush at the University of Illinois. 

Eight to 10 students regularly attended meetings last year, most of whom were seniors.

About 120 students came to the first meeting for the SuperFans this fall. The increase in interest was so unexpected the meeting had to be moved from a classroom to the school auditorium. 

The group is led by four seniors, Kristina Airdo, David Begitschke, Aleisha Bozek and Nick Vanek, designated last year by the Class of 2011 by their commitment to the group. (Vanek wears the blue body suit and SuperFan cape.)

Begitschke is on cross country and track and a member of DECA. Airdo plays softball and is a leader for South’s Operation Snowball. Vanek plays basketball and baseball. Bozek also plays softball and participates in choir and the J. Kyle Braid Leadership Foundation. 

They plan theme nights and get the word out via e-mail, posters in school and the SuperFan Facebook page. Each sport designates a “Pack the Place” event when SuperFans and members of other sports teams are asked to attend.

“I don’t think anyone expected it to be this fun,” Bozek said. “ But we make it fun. People bring drums and vuvuzelas to soccer games.” 

The SuperFans also lead efforts in fundraising, from selling pink headbands for the Susan G. Komen Foundation to fundraising for St. Baldrick’s Foundation.

The four credit their faculty sponsor, Paula Cascella, and Aldworth for the group’s success. Because of Aldworth, Bozek said she wants to become a student activities director.

Sponsor Cascella is a large proponent of school spirit, herself. She was a cheerleader in high school and at the University of Wisconsin. She said the focus of the group is to make each sport feel supported and to spread school spirit. 

While SuperFan members tend to be athletes, it’s a diverse group, the directors said. Freshmen through senior students are members, and most are also involved in several other clubs and extracurricular activities. 

They police themselves. 

“If fans are cheering inappropriately, SuperFans will tell them not to,” Cascella said. “The group likes the idea that the SuperFans have a nice reputation, and they want to keep it that way.” 

The SuperFan’s strong showing is getting them plenty of attention from visiting schools.

“Mr. Aldworth went to a convention about how to start a student fan club,” Aleisha said. “Everyone mentions the SuperFans.”

Besides, the point of school spirit is to have fun.

“This has been the cherry on top of our senior year,” Bozek said. “I know that we’ll look back on this and remember our SuperFan group.”