It is not easy finding a fellow Buffalo Bills fan in the middle of Giant and Eagle’s territory, but I found one right here in room 102 in the halls of Manchester Township High School (MTHS).
Erin Berhalter is a Spanish teacher at MTHS who teaches a wide range of Spanish levels. While most students build connections with teachers through the classes they take, this story is different. Joe Sclama, a Giants fan, had Berhalter for several years during his time at MTHS. When he discovered she was a loyal Bills fan, he immediately told me. The following year, I met Berhalter. Three years later–and only through hallway conversations–Berhalter and I still share excitement about our team.
A lifelong passion for Berhalter has been the Buffalo Bills as she proudly represents the Bills Mafia in both her personal life and in our school community.
“I have been a Bills fan my entire life,” she said, highlighting how deep her love for them is.
Her passion for the team began in her childhood. Growing up in the Buffalo area–so close to the stadium–made football a part of her everyday life.
“It’s in my family. My dad was a season ticket holder and as kids we would have football parties every game day,” she said. “Being a Bills fan makes up some of my greatest childhood memories, and it’s something that’s still a huge part of my life.”
The feeling never faded, as Berhalter proudly shared her passion with others.
“I am proud of where I come from and I’m proud to be a Bills fan. Even when the Bills weren’t as good as they are now, I was a loyal fan, (and) I always will be,” she said.
Her love for this team is not only in her words but also in her traditions.
“A Bills shirt, comfortable sweats, popcorn, and an ice-cold Diet Coke are my go-to game day essentials,” Berhalter said.
Supporting the team for years has also shaped her worldly perspective.
“Being a fan of this team has taught me patience and overcoming extreme disappointment,” she said. “I can’t really think of a fanbase that’s endured more disappointment than Bill’s Mafia. But it also taught me the power of good–it’s what Bills Mafia is known for, making the best out of every situation and being positive. Buffalo is known as ‘The City of Good Neighbors, and Bills Mafia personifies that.”
For Berhalter, sports teach lessons that extend far beyond the stadium.
“Being a sports fan connects people through shared passion and a common goal, similar to how a school community unites students,” she said.
This comparison between sports and school shows how they both create a sense of belonging, where individuals can come together and support one another through both successes and challenges about things they care for.
“Both environments create a sense of belonging and a collective identity. In a sports community, fans rally behind a team, celebrating victories and enduring losses together. This shared experience forges strong bonds and a feeling of camaraderie, whether at a stadium or online. Similarly, a school community brings people together through shared experiences like classes, events, and traditions. This common ground fosters relationships and a feeling of unity,” Berhalter said.
Berhalter was asked to sum up the Buffalo Bills in three words, and she did not hesitate.
“Passionate, Resilient, and Unified,” said Berhalter.
Her hope and confidence for the team is unwavering as she looks toward the future.
“Of course! Every year I’ve said ‘this is our year’! But maybe a little more this year! Why? Josh Allen, Josh Allen, Josh Allen!” she said.
Berhalter’s dedication to the Buffalo Bills is more than just her loyalty to the team, it is her resilience, her traditions, and the strength of community. Her pride in the Bills Mafia serves as a reminder that sports can unite people and inspire values that extend far beyond the game.
