Cheer extends support to wrestling, prepares for upcoming competitions

For 14 weeks a year, the cheer team never fails to impress even the biggest critics in the bleachers with their rigorous routines at each football game.

As per tradition, the girls have always cheered during football season, but this year, following a request from wrestling coach Joe Pele, they have begun to show their support for other teams, including boys’ wrestling and have continued their support at boys’ and girls’ basketball games.

“The wrestling coach e-mailed me asking if the girls would be interested in coming to a couple of matches to show some support,” cheer coach Larissa Ridge said. “Of course, it’s always nice to have some school-wide support, so we didn’t hesitate to send girls to the matches.”

The cheer team switches off by sending around 10 girls to each match.

“It’s fun to go out there and show our classmates we care about what they’re doing,” junior Anika Jhalani said.

Apart from wrestling, the team continues to voice their support at home basketball games for both the boys’ and girls’ team.

“We do modify the routines for the indoor games since according to CCS rules, the girls must cheer on the bleachers,” Ridge said.

The girls continue to practice and perfect their routines for these games along with routines for regional competitions, including a competition in February at Davis.

“Although it does feel like we’re not always appreciated at times, it is nice to get to cheer at all these different games,” Jhalani said. “Sometimes it really can make a difference, and that’s when it feels good.”