Friday nights at Academic Magnet don’t begin when the last bell of the week finally rings. They begin in the Birdcage – our very own student section where chants get loud and every Raptor feels the energy well before the game begins! If you are new to the Birdcage this year or just want a refresh on the rules, chants, traditions, and spirit, then you have come to the right place!!
How the Birdcage works: While it may all seem chaotic and fun, there is definitely a method to the madness. Spirit leaders go in the front, followed by seniors, juniors, sophomores, and then freshmen at the top of the stand (sorry baby Raptors, your time will come).
Spirit Leaders: Spirit leaders will be seen in the front row, keeping the chants rolling and making sure the Birdcage doesn’t lose its energy! The 2025-2026 spirit leaders are Julia Koch, Parker Hamilton, Bennett McKnight, Bennett Bair, Charlie Claus, Madeline Moye, Rowan Engelke, and Caroline Sessoms. When asking spirit leader, Bennett Bair, about the upcoming football season, he replied, “I’m really excited. I think it’s going to be a lot of fun, if people actually show up. And that’s a big if.” Needless to say, the Birdcage is part of the ultimate Magnet student-life experience, so let’s pack the stands and show up!
Dressing the Part: Being a part of the Birdcage includes dressing up to match the theme. And, we Raptors, COMMIT to dressing the part. Every week has a different theme that is announced a few days ahead of time on the AMHS STUCO Instagram page (@amhsstuco). The very first home game this year will be on August 29, 2025 at the D4 Stadium and the theme is Green Out, so don all your green clothes, accessories, and Raptor pride!
The Chants: The spirit leaders will lead the crowd in the chants, but knowing the Birdcage chants ahead of time will separate the quiet bystanders from the REAL RAPTORS. Listed below are the chants that you should review so that you will be prepared for the loudest, most exciting part of the game:
Raptors in the front, let me hear you grunt! (grunt)
Raptors in the middle, let me hear you sizzle! (sizzle)
Raptors in the rear, let me hear you cheer! (cheer)
- A—M—H—S, A-M-H-S, AMHS, AMHS AMHS AMHS!!! (progressively get faster, end with cheers)
- Raptors! Strap in! (Pretend like you are on a roller coaster! Follow the spirit leaders)
- Raptoooors, are you ready? To pump it up, to pump it up, to pump it pump it pump it up! (everyone)
Freshmen, are you ready? To pump it up, to pump it up, to pump it pump it pump it up! (freshmen only)
Sophomores, are you ready? To pump it up, to pump it up, to pump it pump it pump it up! (sophomores only)
Juniors, are you ready? To pump it up, to pump it up, to pump it pump it pump it up! (juniors only)
Seniors, are you ready? To pump it up, to pump it up, to pump it pump it pump it up! (seniors only)
- Raptors football touchdown score oooooooh! (chant when we are near the end zone, progressively get faster)
- We love our boys! (only chant this at the end of the game)
- Shhhhhhh! *insert name*! SPEECH! (everyone gets silent and lets the chosen person say what needs to be said)
Why does this even matter?? Well, from the outside, the Birdcage might just look like a typical student section, but for the Raptors, it’s something much larger. It’s the place where the Freshmen get their very first sense of the school spirit, a place where the Seniors get to take charge, and where every student has a chance to be a part of these long lasting traditions. So please show up to games, participate, and be a part of the Birdcage!
Final Tips:
- Get loud or get out: if you are going to be in the Birdcage, you are committing to be a part of the action. Standing around quietly doesn’t cut it ‘round here
- Follow the spirit leaders: they know the chants and the timing. Just go with the flow
- Commit to the theme: the more committed you are, the better
- Respect the space: remember that this is a school-sanction event and spirit shouldn’t cross the line
- Have fun!!!
