The Booster club hosted its annual Mustang Mania Friday night as fans, athletes, and staff members sported their black and gold gear and watched their favorite fall sports compete in a preview of the upcoming athletic season.

“We didn’t have Mustang Mania last year because of the weather, but it’s clear that it will be a tradition of ours for a long time,” Principal Darrell Echols said. “The athletes, the Mustang fans, the boosters – they all come together for one night and it’s awesome to see and be a part of.”

The night featured a multitude of sports, including football, soccer, tennis, swimming, and volleyball as well as activities like marching band, poms, and cheer. For the athletes, the scrimmages were indicative of each team’s current strengths and flaws.

“The game gave us a chance to see what we were capable of on both sides of the ball but also for us to come together as a team and get ready for the season,” senior running back Maurice Burkley said. “I’ve been here all four years and this is the most participation we’ve had so, as athletes, it’s really good to see that our hard work is being appreciated.”

While the night was primarily about the athletes, clubs like Special Olympics were able to advertise and generate support for their causes. “It really helped our club get a lot of exposure with the freshmen and newer people,” senior and member of Special Olympics Anoop Gowda said. “Mustang Mania isn’t just about the athletes. It’s about our school as a whole and how we come together as a community.”

While many clubs gained exposure throughout the night and athletes were able to enjoy time on the field and with each other, the Metea Boosters were once again able to raise funds for the athletic program. The boosters set up numerous activities, including the dunk tank, raffles, concessions, and apparel sales to raise those funds.  

“It is our biggest fundraiser and the boosters did a phenomenal job running the event,” athletic director Daniel DeBruycker said. “ As a program, it’s very rewarding to see us as a school come together and support one another both on and off the field.”

With the move to the Dupage Valley Conference this year, many fans also came to see what to expect from the athletes as they switch conferences. “Like all teams here tonight, we expect to play hard every night,” senior cornerback CJ Arnold said. “Even though we are moving to a different conference, we are going to try and be the best team we can be, regardless of who is on the other side of the field.”

By Nirmal Mulaikal                                                                                                                  Sports Editor                                                                                                                           Photo by Drew Danko