With the end of fall sports season approaching, the cheer team still hopes to accomplish one of its goals of the season: boosting the crowd’s spirit. In order to evoke school spirit, freshman Abigail Grugan expressed how she would like the spectators to participate in the cheers more.
“We’re trying to get the crowd more involved because at our first game, and even now, the crowd isn’t really involved in the cheers,” Grugan said.
The team continues to strive toward their goal of incorporating the crowd in their cheers. To do that, they are including more cheers.
“This year, I’m pushing them to try to get more crowd involvement, which they have been doing a really good job of so far,” coach Kim Kramer said.
The squad has come together to rouse the spectators with their cheers. Because of the girls’ efforts, the crowd’s participation has increased profusely.
“We’re trying to make videos to get the crowd to learn the cheers so when we do them, they’ll have signs and stuff,” Grugan said.
Popular cheers like “Pirate Rumble” and “Do It” have generated excitement and additional participation from students, parents, marching band, and even Pirate Pete. At last Friday’s Homecoming game against Seneca, cheerleaders rewarded spectators and threw out special Pirate Homecoming shirts during their routines.
Kramer recognizes the team’s talent and capability. Kramer said she especially wants to acknowledge this year’s captains for their dedication and commitment.
“I would say that everyone stands out in their own way, but I’m going to point out our four captains,” Kramer added. “Together, they have a core friendship, which helps them be good leaders, and that’s been really helpful this season.”
This is the first season in which the squad has four senior captains. This year’s captains are Olivia Arnold, Olivia Kamaras, Alexis Daniels, and Kayla Meenan.
Senior Kayla Meenan describes the challenges that come with her new role as captain.
“It’s so much more of a responsibility that I didn’t realize when I was an underclassman,” Meenan said. “I never realized how much of a hard job it is.”
An aspect that has helped the squad this year is the sister-like bond between the girls. Their relationship has helped transform the team into girls with trust, understanding, and optimism.
With the team holding practices multiple times per week, they can improve stunts. In order to perfect their cheers, mistakes have to happen. Grugan said all of her teammates are very patient.
“I work with them every day, and they’re all understanding if I mess something up,” Grugan said.
The captains’ hope and ambition reflect the team’s accomplishments this season. They help the girls stay enthusiastic, even if there are challenges.
“I think they’re really positive, and all have a good outlook on things,” Grugan said.
With playoff games starting soon, Meenan highlights the powerful connections and friendships brought together by cheer.
“My favorite part about cheer is the relationships that I make on the team because I’ve met some of my best friends through it,” Meenan said. “I just like the whole idea of cheer and getting the crowd involved. It’s just so fun and exciting.”
The cheer squad will next perform at the Pirates football game at Pemberton on Saturday.
