Cheer is one of many fall sports that are beginning to prepare for this upcoming season. At Oak Park High School, cheerleading is an important part of school spirit and for many, football games.
The athletes in cheer love their sport and have found a sense of community and friendship within the teams.
“The best thing about doing cheer, is being surrounded by a group of supportive girls,” freshman JV cheerleader Allie Haberman said. “I feel like we are like a family and it never feels awkward between all of us.”
In a poll, both teams were asked what their favorite sport to cheer for is, with the results between football and basketball.
Football was a fan favorite on both JV and varsity, with basketball in second place. Many of the athletes find that their experience cheering during football games is unlike any other.
“My favorite sport to cheer for is football,” sophomore varsity cheerleader Taylor Tingzon said. “I love the vibes and the atmosphere of football games, especially games at home! When we cheer at home we have such a beautiful view of the sunset and I love cheering, dancing and stunting underneath it!”
All the athletes have multiple goals for this upcoming season. Many of them want to make more friendships, improve on their stunts and work harder to make cheer amazing.
“[Some goals I have] for my team is becoming more positive as a group,” freshman JV cheerleader Kylie McDonald said. “Sometimes we get down on ourselves because we always want to hit every motion perfectly but we have to know we are learning.”
Varsity cheer head coach Mara Smialek has the same goals for her athletes.
“The goals I have for my team this year are to continue to grow and develop higher level stunting skills, to execute exciting and dynamic halftime performances, to cheer for multiple sports throughout the year and to have fun and bond with each other – growing their relationships as teammates and friends,” Smialek said.
Cheerleaders, new and old, are excited and looking forward to working hard this season. They are ready to spread school spirit at rallies, games and in their own lives.
