At the front of the student section, OH has 10 leaders standing tall, cheering on our athletic events. So far, during our undefeated football season, the Orange Crew has really stepped up their game this year. By organizing cheers, themes, and even fundraising events, students’ panther pride has only improved as the season progresses.
Since 2005, Orange Crew has been a cornerstone of our Oswego athletics, led by former teacher and dean Joe Sweeney was the first staff sponsor.
Orange Crew’s growth over the years is such an amazing sight to watch, always supporting student-athletes and leading the student sections. Our four main leaders, selected by last year’s leaders, include Grace Braun, Kate Epstein, Adam Woods, and formerly Sean Fader, with additional leaders being appointed throughout the school year.
“When I was a junior, I attended and went all out for sport and spirit events, to show the previous leaders who picked me that I would do a good job if I was picked,” said Braun.
With their many responsibilities as leaders, our Orange Crew team has shown great dedication this season. “This group of students helps get information out and organize various different things centered around our athletic events,” said current Orange Crew staff sponsor, Kevin Wilson.
“I have taken a leadership role by making posts for social media and managing our information being sent out,” Epstein said.
With the goal to reach all the sporting events and support the athletics, Wilson has pushed the leadership team to branch out and do some fundraising.
“I have always pushed kids to branch out and do a little fundraising, but no one has really taken on the challenge quite like how this group has done this year,” said Wilson.
Looking to the future, Orange Crew wants to take some big next steps. “[We look forward to] moving the band and student section to be next to each other at football games,” said Braun.
With plans to keep the spirit up, “We actively watch to pick people that we know will do a good job handling the responsibilities that Orange Crew leaders have,” said Epstein.
Along with some struggles the leaders have faced this season, they have done an amazing job keeping up on social media and keeping their followers informed. Orange Crew is only looking for people to get loud, be involved in chants, and show up for games. Our leaders also face a much greater struggle each Friday night light game.
“We have faced the loss of Sean Fader [[…]] Sean was a bright and loud Orange Crew leader and it was very hard for us to continue doing a good job with the loss of a very good friend,” said Epstein.
Students can follow the Orange Crew Instagram @orangecrew2025 and follow the OH Athletics Instagram @ohsathletics308.
I am Nicole Gartner a senior now at OH, this is my second year on our 42Fifty team. This year I have taken a role in managing our social media and keeping our content updated! Outside of school I work at Floods Royal Flush as a receptionist and also love to explore nature and the city with my friends.
