A small wave of purple tie-dye shirts assemble in front of the crowd. Soon they are joined by one, 10, 50 more. With cheering that rocks the stands, they show the definition of school spirit. This is the new Purple Posse.

What has been a small group of students hyping up the crowd, Purple Posse has expanded to welcome any students who wish to join in cheering on the Eagles. Senior Parker Duggan, Purple Posse President, said he hopes to have almost 100 students included.

“We want to get everybody involved,” Duggan said. “Not just have a one to 13 people group but actually have a bunch of students involved with Posse to make our student section louder, a bit more involved and make the games more fun.”

Posse plans on tailgating before games, then walking into the stadium together. They plan to start the tailgate ahead of the first home game on Oct. 6.

“I think we could make it a better experience at the football games with coming a little early and tailgating with friends,” Duggan said. “We’re just trying to get everybody together for some food, family and football.”

Blake Hurst, assistant principal and Purple Posse adviser, said the first goal for the posse is to grow in a positive way.

“We have a long list of clubs, sports and  activities at Canyon High School,” Hurst said. “The sad thing is there are kids walking our hallways not involved in anything. This will be perfect for them. We have kids who are already involved in other things. This is also for them.”

Students who want to join Purple Posse can sign up outside of Mr. Hurst’s office or talk to one of the Purple Posse leaders.

“This isn’t just about athletics,” Hurst said. “The things they are doing are going to be impacting all these golfers and tennis kids and choir kids.”

The group met with new members Friday, Sept. 15 to create Purple Posse t-shirts. However, the group is still accepting students who want to join.

“I’m hoping we have a lot of people who are willing to get out of their comfort zones and get a little crazy at the games,” said Matthew Wright, senior and Purple Posse leader. “Now with leadership, we are able to change the way things have been run and make things new and better.”

Duggan said he wants to bring the mood of the pep rallies to the football games and be an effective group to impact the team.

“We want to make known that we are a big student group that supports every single sporting event,” Duggan said. “When we get to the games, everybody is one trying to cheer on the same team.”