Transitioning from Student to Cheerleader
Senior Jasmarie Wright enjoying her senior year of cheerleading with a bit of cheekbone glitter.
Cheerleading is a sport involving the performance of organized cheering, chanting, and dancing in support of a team at games. They show us how hard they work to do what they do, they work together like family and are always positive about it. Cheerleaders give us a great show while also supporting the game and that takes teamwork.
Even though cheering seems to be fun and gives comforting vibes, still, some students are afraid to join; if you don’t know how it will be, try it out and see. Our Riley High School cheerleaders shared with me their experience and knowledge about what they do, and how you can do it as well.
Anyone can be a cheerleader, “A voice is all you need,” says Senior Tamarria Martinez, one of the cheer captains. Consistency and motivation are basically the main aspects you need to be a cheerleader. Junior Kelis Wright states, “Honestly, anyone can join the team, you would just have to be really consistent and really do your best if you want to join.” Wright has been a cheerleader for nearly five years, therefore, she knows alot about it. Many of the cheerleaders have been a part of the sport since their freshman year.
There are multiple roles students can do when they join the cheer squad. Flyers and tumbling are just a couple of the many placements they have. No need to worry about where to go, our cheerleaders or the coach can suggest a position that would best suit you. They will introduce you to the role and show you how it should be done.
“How do I join?” you ask, well I am going to tell you. As stated by one of the cheer captains, Junior Kelis Wright, “To join, you would have to try out. Tryouts can be done in a group or individually.” They will show you a routine and you’d have to practice it until tryouts. Once tryouts are finished they will let you know where you may be placed or what you could possibly do.
I know you guys can do this, put your voice out there and show the people what you can do. If you need help, don’t worry, your teams got your back whether it’s homework, help on certain moves or even a ride home from a game. “Lets get fired up,” as the cheerleaders say.
RHS cheer team celebrating their team.
Top Row: Eli Milovich
Second Row: Lydia Thurston, Aubrie Millarb, Kayla Wright, Nicole Perry, Nyisha Gindelberger, Jada Boyd
Third Row: Kelis Wright, Jordan Lipsey, Tamarria Martinez, Moriah Love, Jasmine Young
Forth Row: Macari Richey, Lyndsay Strickland, Jasmarie Wright, Vanessa Plata, Teresa Alvarez, Le’Nejah Underwood
Last Row: Sheniyah Howell, Tearrance Martinez
