Upbeat. Perky. Approachable. These are some of the many connotations associated with being a cheerleader. But behind these smiling faces there lies thoughts of upholding a reputation of being a competitive cheerleading team..

Some may fail to notice the hard work that gets put into the physical aspect of cheerleading. “Basketball players throw balls but we throw girls in the air,” said sophomore Jazelle Flores. Not only are there physical hardships in cheerleading but also emotional.

Many cheerleaders walked off the field in tears after the homecoming halftime performance. This was because the dance did not turn out the way it was rehearsed. When senior Justine Cooper recalls what happend in their homecoming performance she recognizes the team’s mistake. “It is a reflection of what happens when we don’t work together as a team.” As a result of this, the cheer team worked out their differences.

Ultimately cheerleaders are there to pump up the football players from the sidelines and excite the crowd. “When it comes down to it we are all here to support the boys through thick and thin,” said senior Sabrina Serrano. “Halftime is just a reward.We have to work for it.”

           So without the dedication and hard work from the team things will go haywire. “It’s a team effort.” Serrano said. “If one messes up everyone is responsible for it.”
           In preparation for competition in November, cheer currently has three hour practices and Saturday practices as well. The feelings of being stressed, excited, and nervous has suddenly hit them. Because there has been a struggle to work together as a team, it hasn’t been the easiest time getting routines down. “It’s in a short amount of time so we go into panic mode and tension rises,” Serrano said.
           In order to cope with this tension competitive coaches go to their practices, and help them with their technique and their main events. “Cheerleading is blood, sweat, and tears,” Serrano said. “It’s not just the stereotype that because we are cheerleaders we sit around and gossip.”