As the new school year kicks off, the Oak Park High School cheer team is getting ready for another season of school spirit. With a mix of returning members and new faces, the team is preparing to showcase their latest dances and routines.

Freshman Raegan Demmer, JV, is excited to begin her journey with the program. 

“My favorite part about being in cheer is the team’s positivity and the community,” Demmer said. “I am most excited about getting to know everyone and the games I get to cheer at.” 

Not only are new freshmen joining the team, but exchange students are also a new addition to the roster. There are eight exchange students participating in cheer this year.

“I am absolutely thrilled that we have exchange students,” Demmer said. “They are so sweet and kind, I am excited to get to know them.”

Another new addition to the cheer team is having an additional thirty minutes before practice. Junior Taylor Tingzon on varsity thinks the time change is beneficial. 

“It gives me more time to prepare for practice,” Tingzon said. “The temperature is also cooler later in the day, which is nice in the summer.”

However, the adjustment from summer to school has had its challenges. Since the beginning of cheer camp, five cheerleaders have left the team, three of which are flyers. 

“We have had a lot of people quit suddenly, which hit the team pretty hard,” Tingzon said. “We have had to rebuild our team and continue on without them.”

Junior Brooke Gorney has found the rostering issue to be challenging as well. 

“It shifts stunt groups and is making adapting hard,” Gorney said.

Cheer practice can be grueling, with practices ranging from 3:30 to 6:00 on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Despite the busy schedule, both Tingzon and Demmers have found ways to balance schoolwork and cheer. 

“On the days I don’t have cheer, I make sure my homework is done,” Tingzon said. “On the days I do have cheer, I focus on cheer, then right when I get home, I make sure to eat and fuel my body before doing homework.” 

Demmer has a similar approach to managing time. 

“I manage my time by taking any free time I have in class to get work and homework done,” Demmer said.

Their coaches also have high standards for the team, pushing their athletes to be their best.  

“As a varsity cheerleader, I am expected to have a certain skill set, know all the cheers and dances without excuse, be on time to practice, and set an example for the JV girls,” Tingzon said.

While OPHS cheerleaders acknowledge the challenges of being a student athlete, they also find it brings many positive rewards.

As for the new members, they are excited that their childhood aspirations are becoming a reality. 

“I chose cheer because it has been a dream since I was a little girl,” Demmer said. 

As football season is approaching, the cheer team is making many preparations. There is a lot to look forward to. 

“My favorite part is doing halftime and going on the bus for away games,” Tingzon said. “Going on the buses with your friends is really underrated and fun.”

Like Tingzon, Gorney is equally enthusiastic. 

“I really can’t wait for the new season to start. It’s my favorite time of the year, and it is going to be so fun,” Gorney said. 

The OPHS cheer team is committed and looking forward to fresh routines. The team is prepared to represent OPHS throughout the year and demonstrate school spirit.