Founded in 1994, the Chaska High School Superfans have rallied CHS’s student section through every season of Hawks athletics. It’s a tradition that is passed from one class to the next, and each year’s leaders bring fresh and unique energy to a legacy that connects many Chaska HS Alumni. This year’s leaders are Gavin Ricard, Mohamed Abdullahi, Mason Gutowsky and Parker Killian.

“What if we printed the most obnoxious yellow T-shirts we could find with a ‘Chaska Superfans’ logo, sat in the front row, and fired up the student section?”

I (the author) can’t remember if that’s exactly what I asked to a group of friends back in the fall of 1994, but at some point we all agreed — yes, we needed to up our school spirit game; yes, the shirts would be a good idea; and yes, we were the exact group to lead all of this.

“I remember wanting to stand out at football, volleyball and basketball games,” said David Turek, a 1995 Chaska graduate who’s now an attorney in Milwaukee. “We wanted to be loud — probably annoy the other school’s students a bit — and make sure our section was the most spirited. Those yellow shirts definitely helped.”

It all started with that shirt. In the fall of ’94, a bold “Chaska Superfans” logo — complete with the original Hawkeye logo — was printed on the brightest yellow shirts the late, great Wally Quast could find at his iconic Chaska shop, Wally’s Sports and Clothing. From the first football and volleyball games that season, the Chaska Superfans were born.

That fall, Chaska captured its third state volleyball title in four years, and at the front of the student section stood a boisterous group decked out in shirts so yellow even Oregon Ducks fans might blush. 

Three decades later, what began as a handful of loud voices has become an entire movement. The Chaska Superfans now fill the stands at nearly every event, decked out in rotating themes — “USA Out,” “Purple Out,” “Beach Out,” and more — instead of those original yellow shirts.

Each year, the honor of Superfan Leader is bestowed by the previous year’s crew, who pass the torch to the next generation.

This year’s leaders — Mohamed Abdullahi, Mason Gutowsky, Parker Killian and Gavin Ricard — were selected by last year’s duo, Jimmy Coddington and Noah Slinde, a reveal that had the new leaders anxiously waiting all summer.

“We had our assumptions but no confirmation,” said Abdullahi.

“Then suddenly, the Instagram post went up, and that was that!” added Ricard.

The four jumped right into their duties.

“We decide on themes each week, confirm them with administration, and get the word out on social media,” said Abdullahi.

“We also create the graphics for the CHS Superfans platforms to build excitement,” Ricard added.

“And when it’s game time, we make sure everyone is as loud as possible,” Gutowsky said.

Killian summed it up: “Our job is to create an environment everyone wants to be part of — a group we’re proud of.”

Theme selection is serious business. “We made a list this summer of must-have themes,” said Ricard. “And yes, every game we expect everyone to dress up.”

The leaders also mark “mandatory” events, games no true Superfan would dare miss.

“Football games are always mandatory,” said Abdullahi.

“And when big opponents come to town for other sports” added Ricard. “We’re planning more mandatory basketball and hockey games this winter. That’s a big focus for me.”

The biggest night of the year? That’s an easy one.

Ricard knows the energy takes care of itself when the Chanhassen Storm are in town.

“Honestly, it’s not hard to get people excited for a Chan game. A lot of us went to middle school with those kids, so it’s fun for everyone — fans and players alike,” he said.

Even as they enjoy the moment, this year’s leaders are already thinking about the future.

“We’re looking for next year’s seniors who show the most energy and show up to the most events,” said Killian.

Ricard added, “Anyone who wants to lead has to be at nearly every event and stand out in the crowd. We’re taking notes every week.”

Whoever these four choose will inherit a legacy stretching back to that fall day in 1994. Over three decades, the Chaska Superfans have supported Hawks teams through every high and low — on fields, courts, ice and tracks — and through countless state tournament runs.

While most schools today have spirited student sections, few can claim a tradition this deep, this consistent, and this uniquely Chaska.

Ricard summed it up best:

“It’s been cool to see how Superfans in years past ran the section. We hold ourselves to that same high standard. There’s so much history within Chaska — it’s important to honor the legacy of those before us.”

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Be sure to check out the CHS Superfans at Chaska events all year.
You can also buy your very own Throwback Chaska Superfans shirt from Carver Junk Company — they’ve created an updated version of the original 1994 classic. Purchase yours here: https://carverjunkcompany.com/products/chaska-superfans-hawks-yellow-tee