Despite losing two members earlier in the season — one to health issues and the other to personal issues — the varsity cheer team will kick off their competition season at the USA Spirit Regional Jr. Varsity Show Cheer Competition in Antioch, CA, Jan. 14. This will be the first of several competitions the squad will compete in.
The team will perform a two minute and thirty second routine in front of assorted judges, who will evaluate the performance in different categories. They will then be assessed in everything from their voice level to stunting.
Since the cheer team has put in months of effort and preparation, Captain Rayna Endicott, ’14, is excited for the opportunity to showcase what they have learned.
“I think that this competition is a great way to show how much we have improved,” Endicott said. “It will be great to compete for the first time in a year.”
Flyer Callista Fries, ’15, looks forward to the many levels of competition that are involved in the process.
“I am excited to compete because we get the chance to qualify for nationals in Anaheim, [CA],” Fries said. “If we do, we will be able to compete against many other skilled teams.”
Coach Annette Phillips has held numerous practices so that the team can perfect every aspect of their routine.
“Getting ready for competition is always stressful, but all the extra hours of practice, hard work and dedication have helped us stay focus and get prepared,” Phillips said. “We are all very excited. I get the greatest joy seeing the girls perform and watching them achieve the goals they set out to accomplish.”
Phillips believes that, if the team abides be a few fundamental guidelines, they will perform well at the competition.
“Our girls have the drive and heart to want to be a competitive squad,” Phillips said. “The commitment to be a part of this requires sacrifice and time. Learning to stay connected and unified has been a top goal of ours.”
Although they spend hours in rehearsal to perfect their routine, Phillips aims to provide an enjoyable experience. In addition to this, she weaves faith into the picture so that the focus is not entirely on the team.
“I expect the girls to give their best and have fun,” Phillips said. “We discuss that our being together and having the opportunity to compete is to honor and glorify God for the gifts he has provided us.”
Being the first performance as a competitive team in a year, there is much to live up to and new feelings and memories.
“It feels wonderful to share this experience with this group of girls,” Phillips said. “Above all, the time that I have spent as their coach has grown into a respect and closeness that is often unobtainable for teams. It is one of my greatest blessings having this experience and journey as we create lasting memories together.”
For more news, read the Jan. 13 article, BREAKING: FC bids farewell to secretary.
