After a school day spent overwhelmed with anticipation, the Dawg Pound leaders file into their places at the front of the buzzing crowd.

As the sun goes down and the game heats up, the leaders catalyze the excitement of the fans. With every ‘I believe’ chant and “rollercoaster ride,” the Dawg Pound grows a little more hopeful and a lot louder.

This is the scene set nearly every Friday night of the fall. Hundreds of Naperville North students put on their most spirited attire and gather to cheer on the varsity football team.

The Dawg Pound is a club that anyone can be a part of, and it’s not only about football. In essence, members show off their school spirit and support any and all sports teams at NNHS throughout the year.

Jennifer Baumgartner, dean of student activities, oversees the Dawg Pound sponsors. According to Baumgartner, the Dawg Pound has come a long way since she started working at NNHS.

“It has changed over the years,” Baumgartner said. “When I first got the job it was called “pep club” and they were in charge of making signs, but they weren’t really an official group.”  

Baumgartner says social media is what has caused the change. The Dawg Pound has a Twitter page where they post about different events and all game themes, pictures and announcements.

Ryan Boswell, one of the Dawg Pound leaders, says the club has some new themes, cheers and activities coming up this year.

“I’m excited to go wild with all the themes and dress above and beyond,” Boswell said.

Along with Boswell, this year’s Dawg Pound leaders include Zach Benaitis, Bryce Dunlap, Emory Griffin, Maddie Krejci and Matt Pillatsch.

Be a part of the Dawg Pound and dress in your finest red, white and blue at this week’s varsity football game at home on Friday, Sept. 11, against Wheaton North.