There is no doubt that the LHS basketball team draws a large crowd of Crazies because of their unbelievable record and intense atmosphere this season. No matter how many Crazies come and go throughout the season, the basketball team can always expect to see senior Daulton Vanderloo in the front row, ready to cheer.

Becoming an LHS Crazie takes a lot more than just time and dedication, but it also takes an undeniable school spirit. For Vanderloo, school spirit comes naturally because of his growing love for the sport and cheering on the team. He has been to every boys game so far to make sure the LHS basketball team gets the support they deserve.

“I think I am LHS Crazie because I get to every basketball game an hour early to make sure I always get first row,” said Vanderloo. “I dedicate my whole life to these games. I live for these moments, this is where I peak. The Lincoln spirit just builds within me.”

Although it is always important to get to the games early enough to cheer in the front row of the student section, a pregame ritual is a necessity. Vanderloo makes it a priority to do whatever he can to make sure the team wins, even if that means having a game day schedule.

“I always say a quick prayer with a quick Tim Tebow kneel with my friends before every game,” said Vanderloo.

Being an LHS Crazie does not just include hoping for the best and showing up. It is important to be as loud as possible to not only get our own team hype but to let the other team know we are there. Being able to scream and cheer as loud as he can is what adds to the intensity of the gym and helps the basketball team get as hyped as the crowd is. Vanderloo believes LHS cheering is a big help in the team’s success.

“My favorite cheer is ‘Let’s get fired up’ because I can yell as loud as I want,” said Vanderloo. “It gives me chills, and it puts some ice in the veins of the players.”

Even though going to games and cheering for the LHS basketball team is a great activity for most LHS students to partake in, the intense and exciting experience makes it so much more enjoyable. The team this year has looked really talented with great team chemistry and an undefeated record, which makes them a lot more enjoyable to cheer for. The fast-paced games and crowded gym hypes everyone up, making the experience unforgettable.

“I love cheering at basketball games because of the atmosphere of the gym,” said Vanderloo. “It just pumps me up and gets me going. Our basketball team is so good. They’re all my friends and I love to support the team. Even though my basketball career didn’t take off, I’m glad their careers did. Here at LHS, we are all one big family.”

Vanderloo’s presence in the student section is not only noticeable by the entire crowd of people, but also by the players. Most of the players on the team always appreciate Vanderloo’s extreme dedication and support.

“Out of all the fans in the crowd, I always hear Daulton because he’s always yelling my name and he’s the loudest one,” said senior Nolan Ransom. “I can always count on him to hype me up.”

Dedication, enthusiasm, spirit and crazy are all words one could use to describe Vanderloo when he enters the room, but none of this would be possible without his confidence in his LHS basketball team. “Swag swag on you,” said Vanderloo when questioned about opposing schools’ basketball teams. No other school contains the outstanding factor that LHS has.

“We are going all the way to the championship, and we are going to take home the dub,” said Vanderloo.