Cheerleading is a very complex sport, and if not done correctly, it can cause serious injury for athletes. Conversely, when performed correctly, it appears to be a masterpiece, like something only Van Gogh could illustrate. Our Herd cheerleading team has been working tirelessly to perfect their cheer routine and master their stunts. They have performed at football games and expect to perform in competition starting in late October. When asked how the season is going so far, Hathaway Goshorn responded that she believes it is going well, but still feels like there are many aspects that the team needs to improve on. Hathaway explains how if they had more efficient communication and more spirited cheers, they could attain more crowd engagement and cheer performance would improve as a result. Despite their drawbacks, they are constantly working on enhancing different aspects of their cheerleading routines.

As their season progresses, the cheer team has grown very close and are working together to improve their game. Summer Stevenson and Ella Dutrey are feeling confident about their performance and excited for what the future holds for them. They describe the team’s camaraderie as very close and intimate. The team gets along well, but explains how they could work better together if they communicated more effectively. Another aspect that they mentioned—one that is perhaps often overlooked—is the importance of smiling during games. Summer and Ella illustrate how it is an important part of cheerleading, but one that is often forgotten because of their intense focus during games and competitions. While often forgotten, the cheer team is cognizant of this aspect and plans to improve this important detail in the future.

As football season comes to an end, they are now focusing on perfecting their routine for their upcoming competitions. While many cheerleaders are confident about their approaching performances, there are still many qualities of their game that they must improve on to ensure they accomplish their goals. Despite their own self-critiques, as a crowd, we can appreciate their performance during football games. The excitement and enthusiasm that they create every Friday night during games is unmatched. Their fervent routines, their cheers, their energy, and their passion all contribute to an amazing experience during football games. From this, we have no doubt that they will continue to excel in their upcoming competitions!