By CONNIE NOLEN / Community Columnist

The flag goes up, the great goal post sign comes down and the PHS Lettermen and cheerleaders run ahead leading the Panther Football team as the Pantherettes, majorettes, color guard and others fuel the spirit line. Another football season is under way!

At PHS, many students know the thrill of Friday nights, including the PHS Lettermen. These senior boys commit in the spring before their senior year. While Lettermen must maintain a minimum 2.5 GPA, last year one of our National Merit Scholars was a Letterman. Many bright, young men are willing to paint their chest for PHS. This year’s Lettermen continue to add color to the ranks.

Blake Poljacik is a PHS Letterman and Lit Mag staffer.

“I wanted to be a Letterman because I know the heart and soul that Pelham’s football team has and the overwhelming support that the student section offers them,” Poljacik said. “I wanted the Lettermen and our student section to be the best we’ve ever been and I wanted to contribute. This year’s Lettermen are a great group of guys and that was a major influence in my decision to be a letterman.”

The PHS Lettermen for 2013-14 include Nick English, Zac Courtenay, John Brito, Blake Poljacik, Colby Chapman, Stephen Janoulis, Kellen Lenz, Wade Thomas and J’Lon Evans.

Leading the PHS student section in the stands is a serious undertaking.

“It’s great having nine student section leaders. We spread the word about wearing colors and meeting times,” said Poljacik. “It’s very high octane and hectic. That’s great to look forward to on Friday nights,”

The Lettermen are appreciative of their faculty sponsor, PHS math teacher Jean Coker.

“She puts up with us,” Janoulis said.

“Her patience is out of this world,” Poljacik added.

“The greatest thing is leading such a fantastic student section. I’m so thankful that our student body comes out to the games,” Poljacik said.

Trying to describe the thrill of Friday night is as impossible as putting adrenaline into words. Join the PHS Friday night crowd and experience the rush!