Cheer tension increases for some, soon to become required class

Photo Credit: Kristin Bracewell

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Savannah Harrelson
January 31, 2012
Filed under Activities and Clubs

Aligned along the southernmost sideline in the new gym, the cheerleaders chant the boys basketball team toward the final outcomes against opponents.

They appear perfectly precise, with every move carefully planned and executed. Behind this sideline cheer, however, lies hours of practicing, and for some, lost motivation.

With basketball season comes competitive cheer, which includes regional and state competitions, the largest event for the squad all year.

“There’s always so much going on, and it gets overwhelming sometimes,” said senior Alex Kunz, member of the varsity cheer team.

Kunz continued, “This team has the potential to be awesome if we could come together and work together as a team, but some focus on the negative and don’t see how good we can be.”

Some of the negatives being voiced by those on the team include long practice hours, a coach with high expectations, and lack of ambition.

“Our coach knows how to make us look good, and she’s really knowledgeable about cheer, but she is not good at handling things and communication,” said junior Mikayla Reid, a varsity member who does not plan on returning to the team next year due to the drama that has unfolded.

A discouraging as well as encouraging factor for some is that next year cheer leading will be a required class to be on the squad, offered during sixth period.

“The class will stress people out even more,” said junior Mallory Sosa, who is temporarily on release for six weeks because of an illness.

Others, like Kunz, said that the move to a cheerleading class makes sense. “The class will add a new part, and move the team in a positive direction.”