As enthusiastic crowds shake the grounds of the gym with their spirit, they are faced with the satisfying landing of tumbling, stunts, and smiles surrounding each corner. These are the sights that the UC High Cheer Team hopes to see as they put all their practice and hard work in this season.
The UC High cheerleaders have worked to improve from year to year and continue to go through intense practice hours to achieve more throughout the upcoming season. Alongside the UC High Football Team, the Centurion Cheerleaders have been aiming towards victory, and for the cheerleaders, they are anticipating their upcoming competition season.
Freshly introduced to a new coach and teammates, the Cheer Team is tirelessly preparing to take home a win at the prestigious JAMZ competition in Anaheim, and hopefully, at Nationals in Las Vegas. Though it will get a bit colder in January, the Centurion Cheerleaders are coming in hot with more new skills, performances, and passion than ever.
Cheer Coach Krystal “K” Kammeyer has been in the cheer world for over 25 years and is ready to bring a trophy back home. She has noticed the build-up of more “athletic ability, enthusiasm, spirit, and stunting” over time this year. Kammeyer also said, “We work our tushes off, continuously show up to practice every single day, and have all of the girls show up almost one hundred percent of the time. We train, work out, practice safety, and support each other. We don’t give up.”
She also expressed that, as a coach, it is extremely joyful to “…watch teams that have started out at a basic level and go all the way up, winning and doing so well at the end, even after starting out with no experience.” She is willing to fight the misconception that cheerleaders don’t work hard. In fact, she explained that it’s probably the most risky sport out there.
Senior Cheer Captain Taylor Cross-Steward shared that, regardless of all of the hard work, she is overjoyed to be guiding her team towards victory. “Competition-wise, it is definitely very hectic and, at certain times, all of us tend to struggle to get along. But, as soon as we hit [a stunt or a skill], it really shows that cheer is like a family. On sideline cheer, it is crucial to hear each other out” Cross-Steward said.
Although the team is well assembled throughout games and performances, challenging times certainly take place. Cross-Steward said, “Some clashes that we have usually involve the different teams [junior varsity and varsity, sideline and competition] colliding as well as the mental aspect. When some members get nervous about competing in front of an audience and judges, as well as having an all-or-nothing demeanor, the pressure can pile up. It definitely impacts the team’s confidence. Nevertheless, I am excited to see how far we’ll come along.”
Despite any obstacles, misconceptions, or stereotypical views on the sport, the team continues to demonstrate excellent sportsmanship. “I have noticed that a lot of us are working a lot harder on achieving higher skills and having a positive attitude towards our peers,” said Cross-Steward. By being there for each other inside and outside of practice, the Centurion Cheerleaders continue to push each other toward a pathway to success.
UC High Senior Class Vice-President Senior Ivy Valdez is thrilled to watch the cheerleaders from the hyped student section, and stated, “[As an ASB member], when the Cheer Team is all pepped up, we are too, even when my leadership role could become sometimes hard. I really love it when the cheerleaders cheer their hearts out. It gets me really excited. Usually, that helps ASB with our job and we’re able to go home and still feel energized after a long football game,” said Valdez.
The Cheer Team has grown in size as well as in skill, which has been visible from the stands. “I really love the cheer performances this year. I went to all of the games last year, yet, this year, I felt like there were a lot more appearances and higher level performances like stunts and flips, which is pretty cool to watch. I really like when the whole team comes together, performs, and holds each other up in stunts and such. I really like watching it and cheering for the team afterward,” said Valdez.
Triumph will be the only thing that is louder than the Centurion pride this competition season.