At every Aliso Niguel High School football game, there’s one section that stands out above all: the Den. Filled with chants, cheers and pride, it’s where students come together to celebrate school spirit under the Friday night lights.
The Den has become a symbol of Wolverine pride–a place where students gather to support their team, connect with friends and show what it means to be part of the Aliso community. From blackout games to neon nights, the Den’s themed events create some of the most memorable moments of the season. Seniors usually lead the charge, starting chants, hyping up the crowd and keeping the energy high throughout the night.
Aliso Niguel Senior George Bourget (12) says, “I’ve been going to games since freshman year, and the Den has really become part of what it means to be a Wolverine, it’s one of those things you’ll miss when you graduate.”
Leadership within the Den plays a major role in shaping the experience. Typically, ASB members or senior spirit leaders coordinate themes, run social media pages and encourage students to show up and dress out. Their planning helps set the tone for each game.
Aliso Niguel Junior Mia Harris (11), a member of ASB, says, “It’s about creating a space where everyone feels like they’re part of something bigger.”
Activities Director Mrs. Ross described the Den as a cornerstone of school culture and a true reflection of student energy.
Mrs. Ross says, “I think it’s definitely a strong indicator of our school spirit. Our football games tend to be some of our more highly attended events. While there are a lot of different ways to measure school spirit, this is one where students really showcase their energy. It’s fun to see what you guys put together, and I like that I can be a facilitator of that as the activities director.”
Mrs. Ross adds, “Our goal is to make the Den something every student feels part of. The student leaders put a lot of time into planning themes, promoting games, and making sure the section is a place where everyone feels welcome to cheer on their team.”
For many students, the Den represents more than just a section of bleachers–it’s a space where school identity is built. The sea of teal, the roaring chants and the synchronized jumps create a shared experience that unites the student body. For freshmen especially, it’s their first introduction to high school spirit.
Freshman Janan Motamed Hashemi (9) says, “The cheering is probably the best part, everyone is so loud and it’s really fun to be part of it. You can feel how much people care about our school.”
Mrs. Ross explained that maintaining that sense of inclusiveness is key to what makes the Den special.
Mrs. Ross says, “The best thing we can do to make sure we’re being as inclusive as possible is just listening to our students. We’re always looking for ways to make our events more engaging. As long as it’s safe, I’m open to trying it.”
The energy and success of the Den comes from the students who fill it. Each game depends on how much excitement they bring from leading chants to showing up in full theme and supporting their team. According to Mrs. Ross, the Den’s success depends on that shared enthusiasm.
Mrs. Ross says, “The more energy the students bring, the better the atmosphere becomes. It’s about creating that shared excitement. When everyone’s chanting and showing pride, it changes the whole feel of the game.”
Mrs. Ross adds proudly, “We were Orange County Student Section of the Year last year. We’ve won a lot of awards, but what matters most is that students keep showing up and having fun together.”
Despite differing opinions on what could be improved, most Wolverines agree that the Den remains one of the most exciting and defining parts of each school year. The themed nights, coordinated outfits and contagious enthusiasm all contribute to the atmosphere that’s uniquely Aliso.
Whether it’s cheering after a touchdown or rallying after a tough loss, the Den brings students together in a way that few other school traditions can.
