“C-A-K-E, C-A-K-E,” The OZONE erupts with roaring cheers, beaming smiles, and electrifying energy as the Highlands High School football team charges into the end zone for a touchdown. The intense atmosphere echoes throughout the stadium, reflecting the pride and spirit of the Bluebirds.
Since 2000, Highlands High School students have packed the OZONE for every athletic season.
Highlands alumni Robbie Peterman and Isaac Schererr were among the students who started the OZONE legacy. Over time, the OZONE has evolved with new leaders, changing themes, and varying crowd turnouts.
“It brings everyone together, making you feel like more than just a spectator—you become part of the action. Cheering for your team fuels the game, creating an energy that makes every moment more exciting and deepens your connection to the field,” OZONE leader Torin Bryant (12) said.
At the start of Peterman’s 8th grade year, he and his friends attended middle school basketball games to cheer on their school. One memorable moment was when Peterman’s friend, Scherrer, would grab a rebound and protect the ball by swinging his elbows, sometimes bumping into an opposing player. Every time this happened, the student section would erupt with a loud and unified “Ooooo!”
That’s how Highlands earned the legendary name, “OZONE.”
“At first, we weren’t sure about it, but by the next game, it started to grow on us,” HHS Class of 2005 Rob Peterman said. “Isaac played extra aggressively that time, and our classmates kept cheering throughout the game, ‘Oooooo!!!’ And just like that, the name stuck.”
When Peterman and his classmates transitioned to high school, they found themselves back in the position of underdogs. However, their school spirit remained as strong as ever. Over the years, more students began attending games to show their support. Fun traditions started to form, such as gathering at friends’ houses to put on face paint and meeting in a parking lot to walk into the school together.
“Our cheers quickly caught on, making us a fixture at games with traditions like pregame marches, backflips by Ryan Brossart and Jamie Hubbard, and researching the opposing team to get under their skin—all while wearing costumes like my Highlands Blue Suit,” Peterman said.
Today, students show their school spirit at football, basketball, soccer, and many other sports games. Students continue the tradition to this day by having an OZONE, which OZONE leaders organize. Seniors are in the front, followed by juniors and sophomores, and finally, freshmen in the back. Additionally, at every home game, viewers can spot the band, color guard, dance team, and cheerleaders all on the sidelines.
“The energy during football games is one of a kind, especially against big teams, because when the OZONE gets excited, it fires me up too,” junior quarterback Rio Litmer (11) said.
Each year, the previous OZONE leaders select rising seniors to take their place. They look for students who consistently show school spirit, demonstrate strong leadership, display confidence and positivity, and maintain good attendance at school events.
“We have done our best as OZONE leaders to ensure all of our students dress the themes and want to be a part of the cheers,” OZONE leader Ellie Mohr (12) said.
The student section has evolved significantly over the years, particularly in the 90s when rivalries like Covington Catholic became a huge part of the Highlands High School sporting seasons. Back then, there were no themes, just lots of energy.
The chant “C-A-K-E” was huge, and students would cheer, taunt other teams, and act like they were not paying attention to the game. Fans showed up in full swing, wearing whatever they liked, carrying big blue horns, cowbells, and milk jugs filled with pennies to add to the noise. In the past, it was all about the atmosphere and attendance at the games.
“Starting in the 90s, CovCath turned into a heated rivalry, with games and tickets selling out as Highlands student fans packed the stands, bringing unmatched energy and consistently having large attendances,” HHS Class of 1996 alumni Suzanne Janosick said.
For the 2024-2025 school year, the OZONE is energized by a group of dedicated senior leaders: Torin Bryant, Harrison Gamble, Marissa Green, Hank Shick, Ellie Mohr, Emme Orme, Shelby Shields, Somfe Nzekwu, Jack White, and Garrett Wiggins. These seniors bring passion, spirit, and creativity to every game, ensuring the OZONE remains a force to be reckoned with.
“People still talk about OZONE stories today. It was a time of great team spirit,” Peterman said. “My hope for future OZONE leaders is to bring back the energy and pride, creating a true home court advantage by supporting Highlands and making lasting memories.”
