ANN ARBOR — Dan Perkins had been here before. So had Amauri Haller.
But they’d never experienced anything like this. And when the Port Huron football team left the bowels of the 94-year-old building, it hit them all at once.
“My favorite part was walking out of that tunnel,” said Haller, Port Huron’s quarterback. “Just seeing the field open up and how big it is — it was amazing. I loved it.”
“The prior experience of being here kind of lessened it for a minute,” said Perkins, Port Huron’s coach. “Until we went down the tunnel. I was like, ‘Oh my gosh. We’re about to go out on the field.’ That was something I’ll never forget. Having the team behind me, I looked back at the kids and was like, ‘Can you believe this?’ It was really, really cool.”
The Big Reds opened the 2022 season against Grand Rapids Catholic Central at Michigan Stadium on Friday as part of the “Battle at the Big House.” While they ultimately fell, 54-0, that isn’t what they’ll remember. Instead, it’ll be the memories they shared with the Port Huron community.
“With all of our people around, it was just super awesome,” Perkins said. “My family was down the field and we got some pictures. It was just an incredible experience.”
In addition to Port Huron’s football team, the school’s marching band, cheerleading squad and dance team were also in attendance. All three performed on the field at halftime.
“It was pretty exhilarating,” said Griffin Dano, the marching band’s drum major. “It was a lot like being back home, just on a much bigger scale.”
“One of my favorite parts from our show isn’t even part of our show,” said Brooklyn Megie, a section leader with the band. “It’s the student section cheering for us. Because that means the world to us. It makes us so happy. We’re nervous, but (when) they do that we’re ready to get out there and get going.”
Port Huron’s student section was, as usual, vocal all afternoon. Even when the game wasn’t going their way, they continued to make noise. And the cheerleaders helped synchronize that energy.
“This was a very good opportunity for us to showcase our team in front of so many people,” said Breanna Goch, a captain on the team. “I really enjoyed it.”
The group’s halftime routine was specifically tailored to the venue. But they didn’t have a chance to practice it. So this was their one and only shot.
“That was all us just hoping the spacing was right,” Goch said. “I loved (performing) in between our band and our dancers in the biggest stadium in the U.S. I’m very grateful to be here.”
Siara Kidd had a baritone solo during the marching band’s number. While nervous at first, she settled in as the day went on.
“Being able to cheer with your friends for the game, that’s the best part,” Kidd said. “And being able to play for the game and show our school pride.”
After the game ended, members of all the Port Huron teams met with family and friends outside the stadium. Just about everyone was wearing red. Pizza was served and the gathering spilled into the parking lot.
The number of Port Huron faithful that made the trip stood out to Cheyenne Thrall, a captain on the cheer team. It was the highlight of the day in her opinion.
“(My favorite part) was how many people showed up,” Thrall said. “It was very exciting to see all the people come and be part of this experience.”
Contact Brenden Welper at bwelper@gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter @BrendenWelper.
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