Cheer team prepares for competitions as sideline season comes to an end

The cheer team walks together along the track before the football game.

The cheer team is shifting their practice routines as they move toward the competition season.

When the football season ends on Nov. 4, fans in the stands will no longer hear the “GO TOGA” hyping everyone up or see cheer team fliers being thrown high in the air and caught by teammates.

The end of football also marks the end of the cheer team’s first season and the transition into their competition season. As their sideline season comes to an end, senior captain Kaelli Trateng feels the team has seen massive improvements, especially from newcomers.

“In the beginning of the season, we might have to go over certain cheers and routines, but now everyone can go out and cheer for the school,” Trateng said.

The team has focused on conditioning and team bonding, especially due to the new additions this season. Additionally, they have regularly practiced new stunts, with more experienced members of the team making sure to spot the younger ones and give feedback after.

“They really got up to speed with what we wanted to do and the routines we wanted to perform,” said Trateng. “Since many of them have done gymnastics or dance, they were able to adapt pretty quickly to the dynamics of the team.”

The team will be ending their sideline season with a junior cheer camp, in which a junior team of girls aged 4 to 13 will attend their practice in the mat room and cheer with them on their senior night on Nov. 4.

“It will be a fun and interesting experience for both the junior team and our team,” Trateng said.

Following that, the team will turn their focus toward the competition season with CCS in November. Led by coach Alyssa Nicole and Alec Lockhart, the team of 17 hopes to make nationals in February.