Storm win 'Spirit Stick', bring energy in home opener

RIO RANCHO - It was a longer wait than usual for the energy to fill back into Lightning Bolt Stadium, but it was well worth it.

As a part of KRQE Sports’ “Spirit Stick” award, an award voted on weekly between student sections across New Mexico, the “Cleveland Crazies” took home the honor at the Storms’ home opener vs Clovis.

Cleveland received more votes than Albuquerque Academy, Legacy Academy, and Manzano High School, earning a feature in the program's weekly “New Mexico Friday Night Football” television and online show.

Awarded a physical stick along with the title, the Cleveland cheerleaders decorated it all out in electric blue and silver.

The anticipation for Storm football to return to Cleveland Heights Road filled the air, as the parking lot was packed and packed early. Tailgaters enjoyed some pregame food and festivities before kickoff.

The student section, looking to leave its mark on what could be another historic season for the Storm, donned “black out” attire for Cleveland’s 57-0 rout of the Wildcats.

Even if you weren’t watching the game, there was enough to keep you entertained. Cheerleaders performing, the band playing songs, t-shirt cannons, you name it.

“Our DJ is next level and helps create that electric energy in the stands,” Storm booster president Holly Jones said leading up to the season. “Combined with our highly skilled team, phenomenal coaches, the amazing staff at Cleveland High School, and our beloved Cleveland Crazies, it all comes together to make Storm game nights something really special.”

The Storm and their fans will have to bring the energy once again this Friday, in what should be an electric atmosphere with #2 Las Cruces coming to town to face #1 Cleveland.