Fair Grove recently held their middle school and high school cheer tryouts on May second and thirteenth. Students ranging from sixth grade to incoming seniors showcased their athleticism, enthusiasm, and school pride as they performed cheers, chants, jumps, and dance routines.
The middle school cheerleading team is coached by Lindsay Dunning, who is also a teacher in the high school science department. The high school team is coached by Samantha Padgett, and has Kenzie Clark as the assistant coach.
Dunning stated, “Middle school cheer is a lot of fun to coach. Many of the girls that age are still trying to figure out what they want to do and many are branching out and trying new things. It is fun to watch them explore cheerleading and succeed in it.”
For this year’s tryouts, coaches are looking for technique, how well the girls know the material, and enthusiasm. Dunning continued on to say, “The selection is based on their tryout, as well as teacher recommendation.”
At the beginning of tryouts, coaches held a clinic where they taught girls to cheer, chant, and dance and will have to work on it over the entire week. They go over technique and voice, and on tryout day, they perform in front of a panel of judges that help select the squad.
Judges also look for overall good traits in athletes. Lillie Arnold (9), a cheerleader who tried out, stated, “Some qualities that make a good cheerleader are honestly having a good attitude,” she added, “Other good qualities to make a good cheerleader are being very coordinated and sharp.”
Aubrie Voorhis (10), a returning cheerleader, said, “Tryouts are definitely less stressful as a returner, but still kind of stressful because they hold you to a higher standard.” Most returners are expected to know chants, routine, and techniques.
As a whole, cheerleading brings school spirit and energy to the school. Voorhis explained, “Cheerleading brings a lot of joy to the school because no matter if it’s boys or girls basketball or football there is always someone cheering you on.” Cheerleading is also a great way to get the student section and members of the crowd involved.
With tryouts now complete, excitement for the cheerleading season is starting to grow. Coaches are confident that this year’s team will bring energy, talent, and spirit to the school. The cheer season ahead is promising to be full of hard work, school spirit, and dedication.
