Cheerleading is not only a physically demanding activity, but a community building opportunity. Students joining the Eagle High Cheer Team report that the friendships they build within the sport are valuable to their performances.
Junior Adelie Cook is cheering on the team for her third year. As she has gone through this school year, there has been one impression that has been clear to her of her team. They are resilient.
“You know, we lost some girls before our last [and first] competition. But the one thing I can say is that we persevere,” said junior Adelie Cook.
The girls that have stuck through the loss of four members have become more determined to have a great season.
“It’s honestly been a really good year so far. We got two new freshman varsity girls that we love,” Cook added when talking about her overall view on her junior cheer experience.
With the addition of two new varsity freshman girls, the team gained more members to hopefully add some valuable points to their scores. Despite the initial losses of four members, the athletes step up to take on important roles.
“At the last competition we achieved first place in pom. It was a really great moment because we knew we worked really hard for the outcome. The comeback from our [previously] low spirits made it the best moment of the season for me.” said senior Abbey Nadler.
A pom routine takes around 2-3.5 minutes and requires specific amounts of formation changes. Precise jumps, stylization and timed motions in synchronization earned the Eagle High cheer team the title of first place at the competition for the “Shake it Up” performance at Nampa High.
“I really love that we get to spend time together when traveling. We all get to ride the same bus,” said Cook.
The time that the girls spend together makes them a better team as they are able to share their positivity together, supporting and trusting their team members. The winter to spring months will be the months they intend to compete as the season just began with the last away competition. Previously, the cheerleaders did routines for sports events during the fall and winter. Assemblies normally feature performances that they work hard on.
The upcoming competitions in Jerome and in Pocatello are some exciting upcoming events for the Eagle High Cheerleaders. Keeping their spirits high, the team hopes to achieve great things this All-Star Season.
