This week, students across southwest Michigan entered school for the year with backpacks on their backs and butterflies in their tummies.

The start of the school year was always something I looked forward to — a chance to buy fancy new school supplies and start delving into new subjects. One of my favorite parts of the start of the school year, though, was the beginning of the fall sports season.

I was never one for competitive sports. Aside from some rec league volleyball when I was younger, I typically stuck to the sidelines as a cheerleader, mostly because I was not coordinated enough to play. We all have our strengths, right?

Regardless, nothing beat heading down the hill to Selge field, the smell of popcorn wafting from the concession stand and the sound of marching band members tuning their instruments as fellow classmates, alumni and teachers began to fill the bleachers. Perhaps it’s corny coming from a former cheerleader, but there really was nothing better than the overwhelming dose of school spirit we got on Friday nights.

In today’s paper, you’ll find this year’s copy of The Kickoff, our fall sports preview magazine. This magazine previews the upcoming seasons for all participating sports teams. You will find photos of each team, a questionnaire filled out by the coach and a schedule of games as outlined before the season.

The Kickoff is intended to be your guide to this upcoming season, but also to be a keepsake for the athletes and coaches included. Our hope is that 10 years after graduation, you can look back at these magazines and remember some of the same fond memories that come to mind when I think of fall sports.

I love attending all sorts of athletic events, but not really because I love the games played. My favorite part of sports are the social aspects: the camaraderie between fellow fans, the sportsmanship shared across the field, the lessons learned throughout the game — the list goes on and on.

It’s important to note that school spirit should transcend the football field. This level of school spirit should be mirrored in all sorts of extracurricular activities — and even in the classroom.

Students should be encouraged to support their classmates at band and choir festivals, the school play, or the science fair. They should be exposed to other athletic events outside the popular football and basketball games (I personally find soccer matches thoroughly entertaining). We should feel compelled to show pride in the school districts in which we reside, and embrace this opportunity to join together for a positive cause.

All of the social traits of athletic events can be found in these academic and arts events, too, while showing support for students with different strengths outside athletics.

When the marching band takes the field at halftime this year, wait a beat before darting off to the concession stand for hot cocoa. Their hard work deserves an audience, too. When you have a night off between practices and homework, encourage your kiddos to experience a new school function, and give the participants a high-five while you’re at it.

There truly is nothing better than school spirit — on any platform. When it comes down to it, what is school spirit if not showing support for one another?

I think we can all use a bit more of that.