Standing on the sideline, everything becomes clear. Your proximity to the action arouses adrenaline; the pulse of your heart beats to the game’s tempo. The overwhelming smell of Biofreeze tingles your nose while the brisk air sends chills to your arms.
Every eye draws to the game in the center of the field, but still, hundreds of individuals line the perimeter and go unnoticed. From trainers and coaches to sub-players, photographers, and EMTs, it takes a tribe to smoothly run these large sports events.
In each game, various reporters, journalists, scouts, and photographers make their appearances on the sidelines. While these observers mainly consist of adults and professionals, there are a handful of high school students who contribute to the sideline culture.
There’s a sense of exhilaration standing so close to the athletes. With each first down and yard run, anticipation heightens. It’s important for photographers and players to stay behind the “bounds” line; sometimes, athletes come in with too much momentum, toppling into sideline spectators.
For some people, students especially, it seems silly to give up a spot in the stands to wander the sidelines in solitary, since for many, the social aspect of football games is the draw. Like cheerleaders though, there’s a role to be played by each person, and for most of the student photographers, it’s a wonderful experience.
Additionally, from a close view, it’s easy to learn the game and engage more with what’s happening on the field. Learning where to stand for the next “action shot” is a skill acquired over time, as photographers learn to “read” the plays and position themselves appropriately.
Sidelines bring not only action but also humor. Although it’s not courteous to the game to interact with players, photographers often get the inside scoop by overhearing conversations. It’s curious to compare how different teams communicate; and how coaches interact with assistant coaches and with individual players. While some methods seem more effective than others, most Wilsonville players are receptive and responsive to Coach Guenther and other sideline leaders.
While this perspective is geared directionally toward high school media workers, there’s a realm of professionals who impact the game immensely. First hand, student photographers are able to meet local scouts who note the games.
Also, student media managers have the opportunity to converse and learn with professionals. Greg Artman, OSSA media, The Oregonian, and many other photographers have been willing and quick to lend a hand to younger start-up students. Whether it be camera settings or comedic conversation, it’s worth getting to know every individual on the sidelines and having gratitude for the role they serve.
Down on the sideline, it’s awestriking to look up to a full student section, (a privilege with being a Wildcat). You can feel the energy shift and the hype die out when there’s a change or decrease in fans.
It’s common for away games to draw fewer students, but the support is much needed. The team feeds off the energy and excitement of their crowd. It makes a difference when games take place on the home turf. It’s chilling to see your replay on the Wilsonville Jumbotron that’s like no other.
While it’s not always the coveted position, as a photographer, the game of football takes a new shape. You gain a rounded perspective of what makes up a team. What makes success? How do teams respond, and how does that translate to plays on the field?
Especially compared to recent face-offs and experiences in various stadiums, it’s clear that there’s magic happening on the Wilsonville sideline. Amazingly, photographers have the privilege of witnessing it all from the front-seat perspective.
