Sidney's 'Red Zone' brings home sportsmanship award

LINCOLN, Neb. – Perhaps the most often repeated sentiment offered by the Sidney boys' and girls' basketball players after each game, is how appreciative they are of the support they get from the fans. Of course, the most vocal section of fans at the Cabela's Athletic Facility comes from the student section affectionately known as the "Red Zone."

Though loud enough to cause significant needle movement on a decibel meter, the Red Zone prides itself not just on being boisterous, but being classy as well. As a result, Sidney High School was awarded the Nebraska Coaches Association Class B Sportsmanship Award at the 2015 NSAA Boys' State Basketball Tournament in Lincoln over the weekend.

"This award is a great honor and shows that our students can show spirit and sportsmanship while still being fun and positive," said Sidney High School activities director Mike Brockhaus. "We strive to leave an impression on other communities that we support our teams and activities with positive cheers and support."

More than just an unorganized mob of Sidney teenagers, the Red Zone actually has some organizational structure. Each class from the freshmen through seniors, has designated leaders. Jachob Wiedeburg and Austin Jacobson are the senior leaders.

"We have Red Zone meetings every once in a while – not too often – but we have them," said Wiedeburg, who himself has qualified for state on multiple occasions in cross country and track. "We like to think we have an impact on helping the teams play well and stay motivated. Of course they're doing the playing, but it's always good to have someone cheering for you."

One of the highlights of any Sidney basketball game is the Red Zone's rendition of Bruce Channel's 1962 hit, "Hey Baby." With accompaniment from the Sidney High band, the entire student section rocks the roof as they serenade the crowd in unison, "Hey baby, I want to know if you'll be my girl."

Though loud, the encouragement that comes from the Red Zone is always in good taste.

That is not always the case with other student sections. In fact, much of what came from the Elkhorn South section in the Class B finals was not just in bad taste, but often crude.

"It was one of our goals to win the sportsmanship award before going to Lincoln," Wiedeburg said. "It's not surprising we won because I know what some of the other student sections can be like. We know about Scottsbluff and I saw one of Elkhorn South's earlier games. What came from their student section wasn't very pleasant or positive."