This year, the Jolly Rogers have been working with all of the Berkeley sports teams and the Berkeley Armada in an attempt to gain more support for the athletes. Brad Mayes ‘15, the founder of the Berkeley Armada, originally started the spirited Twitter account in order to give athletes more recognition. However, after seeing what the Armada has become, Mayes said that his main concern now is to, “pack the Armada and get as many people to games as possible.”  Jolly Rogers has introduced more Spirit Games of the Week and Fans of the Week in order to accomplish this goal. In addition, Twitter accounts are emerging from nearly every Berkeley sports teams to summarize their successes and notify students about upcoming games.

Davis Straske ‘15, co-President of the Jolly Rogers, sees the Armada as a “new name that gives students the opportunity to be more spirited. It’s an identity that any Berkeley student can be a part of.” The Berkeley Armada Twitter account has gained over 400 followers in just a few months. Most athletes enjoy getting love and support for their efforts. The efforts of the Jolly Rogers have certainly paid off. The club currently has over 115 members, making it the largest club in the school. Meetings are full because all sports have representatives and advocates attending.

However, this support doesn’t come easily. As Alexa Cordell ‘15, the other co-president of Jolly Rogers, said, “People have to realize that they’re going to need to work to get love. You only get as much as you put in.” Captains of fall sports teams have certainly enjoyed all the newfound love and support at their games. Madison Jenkins ‘16, one of the varsity volleyball captains, admires how everyone “[comes] together as a team. It means a lot when our fans come out. Our level of intensity goes up, and it gives us a greater purpose in playing for our school.”

Ben Root ‘15, a varsity football captain, fully supports Jenkins’ sentiments.  He said, “I love how all the other athletes are supporting other teams. The whole football team—all 47 of us—went to the girls’ volleyball game, and they returned the favor. […] Being able to play football with that school spirit makes it that much more fun, and we become more energetic.”

The cheerleaders also have seen a big difference because of the rise in spirit. Julia DiCamillo ‘15, a cheer captain, believes that fall tailgate had the “best crowd we’ve ever had. We’re getting more support than ever, for both the football players and the cheerleaders. We work really hard, so it’s nice to get recognition.”

Still, the Jolly Rogers would like this new increased spirit to last beyond this year. Makenzie Kent ‘15, another cheer captain, wants to “make sure that sophomores and juniors [know they] need to step up. Alexa and Davis have a great job as presidents by setting up a solid foundation, but more people will have to help with the Twitter and in planning events.” Everyone deserves recognition for his or her sport; it’s just a matter of how long the Armada can keep up the spirit. Sophomores and Juniors, be ready to steer the ship next year!