Update: After driving to Magic Mountain to compete against one other school in their division, the cheer squad won first place, Nov. 22. A full-length article will follow about the win.
Despite losing two members to health issues earlier in the season, the varsity cheer team will kick off their competition season at the JAMZ Magic Mountain at Six Flags Magic Mountain, Nov. 22. As their introduction to the JAMZ Championship Series, the team will travel to Valencia to put their routine to the test.
The 12-member team will compete in Varsity Show Cheer Level 2. The squad will perform at approximately 2:00 p.m.
Head coach Robin Whitford says she looks forward to the team’s first competition opportunity.
“We are very excited for our first competition,” Whitford said. “I know the team is ready to bring a strong, solid performance. Even though we have had to re-choreograph several parts of the routine due to injured teammates not being able to perform, the team has kept a great attitude and is twelve strong!”
Captain Kory Thompson, ’11, is convinced of the team’s ability despite injuries and past practice performance.
“I’m most confident about our stunts,” Thompson said. “Even though they do not always hit at practice, I know that we have what it takes to hit a perfect routine.”
Sophomore Darlene Idsinga, who played varsity tennis last season, anticipates her first competition as a varsity squad member.
“I’m both excited and nervous,” Idsinga said. “It’s at Six Flags, which will be fun, but I have to perform my backhandspring in the routine. I haven’t completely done it by myself yet, so I’m nervous about that. ”
After the resignation of former coach Katie Mendenhall in April, Thompson is eager to show the team’s strength under a new coach and the challenges facing the team.
“We need to prove to everyone that despite everything that has gone on we still have the ability to win,” Thompson said.
Idsinga echoes Whitford’s confidence.
“I know we’ll do well on Sunday because we’ll go out there and have fun doing what we love,” Idsinga said. “To me, that is succeeding.”
While the focus for the present remains on the competition, Whitford already anticipates what will come next.
“We are excited to begin working with the girls who recently made the team during the mid-year trout,” Whitford said. “It is our goal to have them compete with us in December.”
Senior cheer captain, Holly Savage is eager to jump into the upcoming competition after recent let-downs.
“I am really excited for the competition on Sunday,” Savage said. “I was disappointed that we couldn’t compete at Clovis North last Saturday, but the injuries and sickness on the team wouldn’t allow us. I haven’t competed since Nationals in March, so I can’t wait to go out on that floor again!”
For more information, read the Nov. 9 article, Mid-season cheer tryouts offer new chance or e-mail Whitford.
