Rowdie Rooters Cheer on Indians from Hilltop Vantage Point, Provoking Rivals

The Friday night lights shine as North Hills takes the field. On this evening, the football match-up is the Indians vs. the Woodland Hills Wolverines. But up above, on the hilltop overlooking the field, a distinct red glow shines even brighter. 

The red light belongs to the Rowdie Rooters, a mixture of past, present and future alumni, athletes and outsiders that share their love for North Hills football. They occupy a yard on Park Street, cheering on their alma mater with a perfect view of the field.  

Every fan group has its "thing," the one prop or gimmick that makes it unique.The Rooters have a McGyver-like siren-and-light combo that is their signature item. Whenever the game announcers say their name — they also have a radio attached to their unit — they flip the switch, the sirens come on, the sign lights up and cheering ensues, said Tim Szalinski, an 1982 North Hill graduate.

Anytime there's a touchdown, a kickoff and or any other notable play, it's the whole shabang again. 

"It used to be a little more dirty up here before, but now we're getting old," he said, laughing. 

There are basically two requirements to join in: You have to be an Indians fan, and you have to have fun. And, to be polite, you shouldn't refuse an ice cold beverage offered by a Rooter.  

The army of Rowdie Rooters has been cheering for a long time. Not affiliated with the school, the Rooters were founded more than 30 years ago by four friends, three of whom were neighbors. Bob McLane, one of the founders who still lives on Park Avenue, said the fandom has grown.  

"We were just three guys that decided to do something," the 1966 North Hills graduate said. "It was just a family thing, and then 'boom!', people started showing up." 

From their vantage point, the Rooters can see everything that goes on below. The hilltop is a perfect place to jeer the opposing team as it exits the locker rooms.

There are certain schools and coaches that despise the Rooters. A coach from an opposing team once tried to climb the fence to "get at" the Rooters.

They do try to keep it civil, they said. 

But when the Indians play the North Allegheny Tigers, the team's rivals, the Rooters string up a giant stuffed tiger from a pole on the hill. Every time a play is made, they rip off an arm or a leg of the tiger and throw it down the hill. 

This is slightly more acceptable than throwing eggs into the tubas of the opposing band — something that at least one member used to do. 

But it really is good, clean fun, said Jared DiGirolamo, a '96 grad.

Channel 11 sports anchor John Fedko has joined the guys a few times. But with their Rowdie Rooters shirts, siren and generations of more fans coming up behind them, the Rooters may have as big of a following as the football team itself. 

"It's tradition," DiGirolamo said. "Not many people can say that they have a presence like we do."  

To get in touch with the Rowdie Rooters, check out their Facebook page. Or, better yet, put on your best reds and join them for a home game.