FCS Cheer competition season begins

Fresno Christian varsity cheerleaders prepare for the first competition of the 2022-23 season with early morning practices and months of training. The first California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) Invitational competition will be held at Buchanan High School, Dec. 3.

FC cheerleaders have been working hard to top last year’s performance at the FCC Nationals hosted in Orlando, Florida. The team needs to learn and perfect their routine to nail it on the competition mats and uphold their reputations. FC varsity head coach Hope Villines recognizes the challenges her girls face this year.

[/media-credit] Cheerleaders gather at 7 AM to work on their routine.

“Last year’s season had a different pressure on the team,” said Hope Villines, “Not only going to nationals but carrying the torch from the team that didn’t get to go.”

Along with the pressure of competition season, they also have been cheering for the FC football team, mentoring the future generation of cheerleaders, and selling treats to raise money for new uniforms and transportation.

Captain Tori Tarlton is grateful to cheer alongside her fellow seniors and other classmates.

“I’m excited that I am a senior on the team with my two best friends and that I get to pour into the younger girls and become friends with them,” said Tori Tarlton. “I am also excited for the competitions and the excitement before and the relief after our performance.”

There is much anticipation looking forward to the upcoming competition season. Cheer has been working throughout the year to learn new skills and stunts while supporting sports teams at home games.

The first competition, Dec. 3, stacks the team up against Clovis North, Clovis East, Clovis West and Sanger in Div. II. As Coach always says, “Let your lights shine girls!”

JV Cheer also competes Dec. 3 at Buchanan at 9 a.m. Varsity hits the mat at 1:48 p.m.