Skaneateles High School has been named one of three finalists in a “Battle of the Fans” competition.

The New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA) is holding the contest this year for the first time ever and will announce the winner on Feb. 21.

The award will recognize the best student cheering sections in the state. Skaneateles is a finalist for the honor along with Pleasantville and Norwich high schools. Pittsford was also named a finalist, but withdrew from consideration.

To qualify as one of the finalists, Skaneateles students put together a video highlighting their student spirit, sportsmanship and why they deserve to win. NYSPHSAA staff then visited the district to interview students and film the student section at the Jan. 17 boys hockey game against Whitesboro. The entry video is available here and the NYSPHSAA video and an accompanying story is available here.

In the videos, students talk about the importance of cheering on their athletes, but also being good sports.

“Positive sportsmanship means everything to me and my school. Everyday we stress the importance of it. It’s always on the morning announcements. Every athletic event, our motto is ‘loud proud and positive’ so we just try and keep that going for every sporting event,” student Sepp Martin said.

NYSPHSAA will determine the winner based on the following criteria: positive sportsmanship, study body participation, school spirit, originality of cheers, organization of the group, student section leadership and over impression/fun.

NYSPHSAA will also hold a vote on its Facebook page. Voting will open at 9 a.m. on Feb. 18 and close at 9 a.m. on Feb. 21. The vote is only one factor in determining the winner and the number of votes compared to the size of the school will be taken into account, according to the NYSPHSAA website.

More information on the competition is available here.