12th MAN

The 12th man or 12th player is a term used to describe the fans within a stadium during football games.  Since most football leagues allow a maximum of eleven players per team on the playing field at a time, the term denotes the attempt of a team's fans to help their team.  In American football, the term originated with Texas A&M University in 1922. 

The presence of fans can have a profound impact on how the teams perform.  Each team's fans would like to see their team win the game.  Fans will often create loud sounds or chant in hopes of distracting and confusing the opposing team while they have possession of the ball; or to persuade a referee to make a favorable decision. Noises are made by shouting, whistling, stomping and various other techniques. 

In 2010, Coach Walker retired the #12 jersey to honor the dedication of Westlake fans.  Afterall, we are LOUD, PROUD and HIGHLY SPIRITED!!!  We have always had a great fan base at every game... whether we are at home or on the road.  Let's not give Mountain Crest the home field advantage...  BE THERE!  BE THAT 12th Man!!!

GO THUNDER!!!