The Ranger Spirit That Creates Magical Moments: Where Does It Come From?

By Solomon Burciaga

You are under the gleaming lights of the Mineral King Bowl. Everywhere you look, you catch a glimpse of the wave of white and blue. You hear the final buzzer sound. Your team just scored the game winning touchdown. The student section erupts and roars with cheer.

Flag Runners take their marks and prepare to send their banners soaring through the air. The sidelines are consumed by chanting Cheerleaders and Dancers, celebrating with their teams.

Redwood High School’s spirit shines bright under those stadium lights. But what really goes into making all of that magic happen?

Mateo Alonzo, ’24, has been a flag runner for the past 2 years. He shares his preparations in getting ready for game time. He says, “Whenever there is a theme for the football games, we need to get there at 6, get painted, and have an outfit contributing to the game.” 

Alonzo adds his favorite parts of his flag running adventures. “I like dancing with all of the music, hyping up the crowd and throwing out shirts.”

Kelan Anderson, ’25, says that as a flag runner he feels that, “being surrounded by a school with so much school spirit is really amazing.”

Anderson continues, “I love trying to get the crowd hyped up for the football games.”

The Mineral King Bowl is lined with posters and decorations from top to bottom. This is a major factor in our memorable High School football experience, and it’s ASB’s job to assemble every single detail.

Redwood ASB is responsible for coordinating school activities and enhancing our school spirit. Their jobs vary from organizing themes and rallies, to all out decorating the stadium for football games.

In preparation for the Cowhide game, ASB students have dedicated their evenings to preparing for the big day.

Hailey Aston, Redwood’s ASB advisor, shares the amount of time and effort that goes into the organization. She says, “It’s a ton of work as far as bowl decoration goes. They make 12 posters every single home game that are then put up and there are balloons along with all of those decorations.”

Redwood’s Dance Force and Cheer teams work together to support Ranger Football and captivate the crowd.

Rozenthal Ramos ’24, a 4-year Dance Force member, shares how her and her teammates navigate the cooperation. She says, “Makayla Bullock usually communicates with one of the Cheer Captains to figure out what sideline to do. We do our sidelines the same and change some parts for different dances.” 

Ramos adds, “I enjoy seeing my family out in the crowd and my friends cheering me on during halftime.” 

Redwood’s Cheer team is dedicated to performing their best for the Rangers in the crowd. Carly Jensen, 24’, is a 4 year Cheer member. She says, “We practice during the week. Lots of practicing new stunts, dances, jumps, and formations to make a cool performance.”

Although the workload is tiring, Jensen shares her love for the sport. She continues, “It’s worth it. It’s fun and it’s good to see a crowd come out. Everyone’s there showing their school spirit, so it’s a good time.”

Kandice Bernal, ’24, is another 4 year cheer member. She says, “You don’t have that much free time for yourself. We dedicate two hours after school everyday into our sidelines and performances.”

Bernal adds her love for being on the track. “It’s just really fun and you create bonds with random people.”

Redwood’s band prepares long and hard to share their halftime performances and sideline songs with the crowd. 

Christine Joy Lastimoza, ’24, is the band’s Assistant Drum Major. Her job is to conduct and lead the band during football games and halftime shows. She says, “At first the idea was pretty scary, but once I got used to it, it felt nice to perform in front of people.” 

Lastimoza feels the impact of the Redwood Band. She says, “It is a huge responsibility and I still feel a little bit nervous about it, but being able to have people by my side and knowing that I have their support means a lot.”

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