Transfixed on the people around them, the student section buzzes. Music plays out of a boombox, distracting their eyes and ears, limiting the ability to chant. They’re not focused on the game, but on themselves. Then, a short, curly, black haired student pops onto the scene. Jumping up and down, encouraging the fans to get excited. The current state of the game doesn’t matter, junior Daniel Rikkers provides the essential boost to turn the student section over.

Football has always been a part of Rikkers life, growing up knowing Notre Dame head coach Brian Kelly and former defensive coordinator Chuck Martin he’s bound to know a little something something about the sport.

Although many may know Rikkers as “that kid who pumps everybody up”, his official title is equipment manager. He brings out the equipment before each practice, filling the water bottles up, and doing whatever else the coaches need done.

“Sophomore year I was cut from the JV soccer team,” Rikkers said. “So my parents wanted me to be involved in a team activity. It was either this, tennis, or cross country and coach Duram was grateful enough to give me the opportunity.”

Rikkers is loved by every guy on the football team, plus others that are not members of the team. Just by glancing at him, his genuine character can be noticed immediately. Smile and wave at him, he’ll smile and wave right back.

“The guys love him,” head coach Jason Duram said. “Dan is a great kid who has a positive attitude every day. He’s there solely for the purpose to watch these guys be successful and who wants to be a part of something.”

He not only gets the crowd ecstatic, but the players as well.

“I think Daniel really gets into it,” said junior defensive back Trevor Callahan, “He gets really intense and really keeps us going and is a great guy to have on the sideline.”

Rikkers has served as the leading example of what Grand Haven Football is all about.

“He sets a very good example while getting into the game completely,” said Callahan.

Being able to bring energy to the table is something that Rikkers feels is one thing he does that most impacts the football team and is why he is cut out for the job.

“I get to get stuff done right away,” said Rikkers, “I feel that energy is important to getting stuff done and being successful.”

Come game day, Rikkers embraces the hype man position. He vigorously pumps his arms attempting to excite the crowd while doing a sort of modified jumping jack. Hair flapping up and down, the fierce look on his face shows his determination and passion in his task.

“I like being the hype man,” Rikkers said. “It’s really a cool experience since I’ve been around football most of my life.”