Jude Magnotti ‘26
EE Editor-In-Chief
In the treacherous aftermath of the Covid-19 Pandemic, the once invaluable aspect of high school spirit has slowly lost its luster and support across the country. Once viewed as a necessity to fit in, it is now treated as more of an unknown luxury, with efforts to bring it back often failing miserably.
Still, one thing remains at Trumbull High that has emerged to be stronger than ever: The Black Hole.
I’m not talking about the eternal abyss in space that sucks everything into it, I’m talking about the Trumbull High Student section…which basically does the same thing!
Named after our Eagles’ iconic black and gold color scheme, the Black Hole is a packed student section that comes out to support Trumbull at football games, basketball games, and more. An Instagram account run by students encourages students to attend the games and show unwavering support for the players. Without even having to lift a finger, Trumbull High has a unique and vocal student section, giving players the energy they need to play at their best.
However, what’s more important than the actual support itself is the tactical advantage the black hole brings to every game. With sometimes over 100 kids in a student section, the volume and vocality of the section can make a game feel like a professional sporting event.
This effect is particularly noticeable during basketball games. Unlike football games, which are outside, basketball is in a crowded gym, meaning the sound from the fans resonates like an earthquake. This becomes especially useful when the opposing team is shooting free throws. The crowd disrupts their rhythm with chants, yells, and jeers, oftentimes impacting the game just through their voice. This advantage is one of the many reasons why the boys’ and girls’ basketball teams have been so dominant at home this year.
Furthermore, it’s not just the sheer volume of the chants, but also what fans say. Leaders at the front often hold up a board with a certain number of times to cheer listed on it. These phrases include “Take His Whistle!” when fans are dissatisfied with an official’s call. “Start the buses!” when Trumbull’s up big and about to win. And of course, the most classic “DE-FENSE!” chant.
Senior Jared Tibbals, a frequent Black Hole member, describes the experience like this: “ The atmosphere in the gym is always crazy. It feels like you’re at a professional game and you can tell it has an impact on what the players are thinking and how they feel”.
Aside from just the fans, teams are also often supported by the THS cheerleading squad and dance team. Both perform halftime shows, break entertainment, and bring the flash to an already flashy student section.
However, as important as the Black Hole is, the experience of a fan in it isn’t always as positive as its role. With so many people in such a small space, the atmosphere can often feel claustrophobic and overly chaotic. Similarly, everyone stands, meaning that there is no opportunity to sit down in the section, and if you do, you can’t see the game.
“The section is cool, but if you ask me, it’s just too crowded”, explains Senior Derek Macri. “You feel like you can’t hear yourself, and you end up focusing on a way to sit down instead of actually enjoying the game”.
Despite the mixed experiences from fans, the Black Hole has undoubtedly been a valuable part of THS culture in an era of deprivation of school spirit and apathetic of what’s going on at the school. As the boys basketball team enters the FCIAC playoffs, I encourage you to get yourself to a game and find yourself sucked into the chaotic and enthralling energy of the Black Hole…
Photo courtesy: THS Trillium