This week, the Bob Jones Competition Cheer team travels to Orlando for Nationals.  Last year, junior varsity won their division and varsity placed.

Being a Bob Jones cheerleader is a one of a kind experience. BJ cheerleader Molly Stroud said, “Everyone on the team is your family, and you all become very close during the whole process of going from becoming a team, to competing at nationals.”

Varsity cheerleader Taylor Daigle shared her experience about being a Bob Jones cheerleader. “It’s a really great accomplishment for myself and it’s a great experience. I love how nice the coaches are and how they push you to be your best.”

Although practice may be hard sometimes, the team still thinks it’s worth the outcome. JV cheerleader Ainslea Freeman stated, “ I love it! It’s so fun, but stressful at times, and it teaches you discipline and teamwork.”

There are people who do not think cheer is a sport. Freshman cheerleader Abby McCauley added, “It’s a very underappreciated sport in my opinion. People don’t realize how hard it is to be a cheerleader and the amount of practice it takes to even make it on the mat without completely looking like a hot mess or getting injured. So as a cheerleader, especially one from Bob Jones, I’m proud of my sport and my abilities as a cheerleader.”

The cheer team, as a whole, shares the same sentiment.  Sophomore cheerleader Karla Hildebrand, “I honestly love it because I get to be with my teammates and they’re like my family, my sisters. We’re one big happy family. I wouldn’t trade them for the world.”

When asked about competition, Karla also stated, “Words can’t describe being on stage with the people you love and competing together. I’m so happy to be a part of the team and we’re going to bring back another national title for Bob Jones with my sisters and brother.”

Cheerleading also isn’t just for girls. Many guys cheer and are very good at it. It would be great if there were more guys to compete for a national title. If you are looking for a great way to learn about working together with a group of people to accomplish a common goal, you should look into becoming a Bob Jones cheerleader.