Cheerleading is a sport that is constantly overlooked due to other sports, as well as the fact that the team is mainly seen at football games. However, the athletes on the cheerleading squad are extremely dedicated.
“We practice from four until seven every day except Wednesday during the week and from nine until one on Saturday,” said Assistant Varsity Coach Sara Licklider. “It’s a lot of hours so it takes a lot of dedication.”
Cheerleaders have to deal with many stereotypes that simply are not true. Many believe that cheerleaders practice very little; others think they only perform at football games. However, one stereotype stands head and shoulders above the rest as the most glaring falsehood.
“The biggest misconception about cheerleaders is that they aren’t athletes,” Licklider said. “I guarantee you most football players aren’t coordinated enough to throw people up in the air and then get into position to catch them in time.”
Licklider plays a substantial role in the team’s success, as she is in charge of advising them in her area of specialty: dance.
“I was a dancer in high school and in college, so dance is my specialty,” Licklider said. “I focus on that aspect with the girls. Other coaches are more involved with stunts and tumbling.”
In addition to advising the team athletically, Licklider is also in charge of making sure the team is up to par academically.
Of the 25 girls on varsity cheer, 14 are sophomores only six are seniors. While the youth of the team may seem like a drawback right now, it ensures that over the next two years the team will build on their Regional appearance this year. Already, these young athletes are assuming leadership roles.
“One of our biggest contributors is Riley Loftus, a sophomore on the team,” Licklider said. “She’s a role model to the rest of the young members of the team.”
by Callum Kelton
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