Cheer and football teams bond during banquet

Because of their busy season, the football players often do not get the opportunity to interact with the whole cheer team. However, to thank the cheerleaders for their efforts, the football team organized a banquet on Nov. 4—the day of the Los Gatos football game— to show their gratitude.

“I have looked forward to the banquet all year long,” cheerleader junior Nadya Shahin said. “It’s nice to spend time with the team we cheer for but don’t really get the chance to interact with.”
Though at every one of their games, the cheerleaders only interact with the team after the last play, when they sing the school’s alma mater to the team.

“It is great to get to know the players we are cheering for,” JV cheerleader sophomore Julia Arnold said. “I’m glad the JV team is invited this year.”

This is the second annual cheer football banquet, and organizers for both teams are hoping to make it an annual event. During the banquet, the football players served lunch to the cheerleaders to thank them for their support. Players also gave gifts to each of their “guardian angels,” cheerleaders who provide a specific player with Gatorade and treats for every game.

“Guardian angels are exciting because it is like a secret buddy exchange between the football and cheer teams,” cheerleader senior Rebecca Smerdon said. “We get to bake them cookies and brownies, shop for them, make cards. It is all very exciting.”

At the end of each season, the guardian angels reveal their identity to the football players at the banquet. Each player buys a present for their angel and they chat while lunching.

“I love seeing the shock on their faces when they find out who their guardian angel was,” said cheerleader junior Haley Wong. “It was so funny watching all the reactions.”

Though unable to interact throughout the busy football season, the cheer football banquet provides a nice outlet for both teams to get to know each other near the end of the football season.

“Because the football team can’t make it to events like cheer competitions, I think it is a great gesture for them to provide a banquet for the cheer team,” said cheer coach Laressa Ridge. “The girls have a chance to interact with the team, and its a nice way to wrap up the season.”

Some of the football players felt the banquet was a great way to thank the cheerleaders for the work they put into all the games making run-throughs, cheering and getting guardian angel gifts.

“I’m glad we got a chance to do the banquet,” said senior quarterback Mitchell Casas. “The girls do so much for us and it’s great to give back.”