Ravens Fans Find Reason for Spirit

Students, parents and local Royal Oak Ravens fans are excited about the changes new head coach Jeff Hill is making with the  football program. After 28 straight losses, Royal Oak finally won a game - this season's opener at home against St. Clair Shores on Aug. 25. It then lost the next two, but optimism is still in the air.

Patch caught up with a cross-section of fans Friday night during the Ravens' 39-21 loss to West Bloomfield to ask how they feel about the team and what it means for the community.

Freshman Brianna Williams didn't attend any games in the past, but learned about the losing history of the program from her cousin. "I'm glad they've actually won a game and the coach and team are doing a great job," she said.

Marching band trombone player Max Sanders knows the band is an important part of helping influence the energy in the stands. "We're doing better and the band always helps with spirit," he said.

Cameron Miesterfeld, freshman trombonist, sees a huge difference in the team. "They are definitely doing much better than previous years and we actually got to play the fight song once this year," he said. 

After a win, the band plays the fight song; after a loss they play the alma mater. 

2011 graduates and former band members and Zachary Donnelly and Telly Newman say they see and feel more energy in the stands than during their time at ROHS.

"The fans are more excited," Donnelly said. Newman added, "I feel like he (Hill) is doing things and they did win."

Sarah Olson, Royal Oak schools' director of instructional services & staff development, was full of team spirit Friday night. "I love the Ravens," she said. "They've got great spirit and they're a great team and they look great out there."

Olson has seen Hill "changing things and he's great for the kids."

"He's an upbeat guy and he's changing the culture and the kids feel welcome."