The sun shined, the music blared, the grill sizzled and smiles lit up the faces of all present at the Superfans tailgate before the Sept. 24 home football game.
   However, the faces were few.
   The Superfans have noted a marked decrease in fan attendance both at football games and their pre-game gatherings as the mostly disappointing football season continues.
   However, junior Superfans captain Kyle Glennon remains optimistic about the progress of both the Lancers and SuperFans.
   “We’ve had a tough [football] schedule so far this year,” Glennon said.   “We, both the team and SuperFan, can still turn it around.”
   Lancer football parent Jeff Messer hopes this is the case.
   “It really gives the kids [on the team] a lift when they see that they have the support of their student body,” Messer said. “This is especially true if the Lancers aren’t doing well.”
   Devoted Superfans like junior Emily Bush remain undeterred by losses.
   “I’ll still go to all the home games and even the close away games. Sure, games aren’t as exciting [when the Lancers lose] but it’s still fun to come with your friends. Plus, the team is making a turn-around,” Bush said.
   The team beat Northwest House Springs 40-0 on Sept. 24.
   Glennon anticipates that increased attendance will come with both the recent win and continued efforts to draw students in.
  “We have Mr. Berry playing up the tailgates at lunch. Also, Superfans are taking turns sending out Facebook messages to let people know we’ll be having events,” he said.
   If these factors don’t lead to increased SuperFan spirit, Glennon and his fellow Superfan organizers will go back to the drawing board.
   “I won’t be the one to let Superfans die,” Glennon said.