After spending football and basketball seasons on the sidelines, the varsity cheer team transitions to competing on the mats, proving their skills in high-energy competitions. Last year, they secured second place at the state level, but this year, they took it a step further, bringing home multiple titles, most recently being first in the Junior Varsity . The team claimed the Division One All-Girl Stunt State Title, which involves executing a high-level stunt requiring full team synchronization. They also earned the Large Division One Show Cheer State Title, which features a full-length routine incorporating stunts, tumbling, and dance. Finally, they were named third in the Large Division One Game Day State competition, which showcases routines that mirror the routine and spirit seen on the sidelines during school sport events.
Achieving first place at the state level is not an easy feat, requiring months of practice, dedication, and mental growth. Sophomore varsity flyer Sav Ross knows this firsthand, stating, “In order to get ready for competitions, I always make sure to eat clean and healthy, train my hardest, and just continue to practice my best every chance that I get.” She emphasized that these habits are crucial not only for competition season, but also for maintaining her overall health and performance all year-round. Sophomore junior varsity cheerleader Mackenzie Kopp stated her dedication unwavering as well. “I treat every practice as if it were nationals to remind myself how far we have come as a team,” Kopp voiced.
Varsity cheer coach Desiree Houg plays a crucial role in leading the team to success as well. Houg explained, “Competing a cheer routine is often compared to running a sprint for two minutes and 30 seconds… We spend our practices running specific sections of our routine to gain consistency and make them clean, as well as running the entire routine over and over to ensure that when the time comes, and the pressure is on, we are able to execute.” Houg also stressed that cheerleading is a true team sport and that there is no single standout performer on the team. “Without the efforts of every athlete, the team would be unsuccessful,” she stated.
Through long practices, rigorous conditioning, and unwavering commitment, the varsity cheerleaders and their coaches have worked endlessly to earn their place at the top of the state’s Division One competition. Other than just trophies and titles, they have built a legacy of teamwork, resilience, and sisterhood, one routine at a time.
