The competition cheer team has been working on a routine for months now all leading up to the big week of Nationals. The big competition in Orlando, Florida gives cheerleaders all around the U.S. the opportunity to showcase their talent and hard work. The cheer team this year has decided to pursue their game day routine, which is a formulation of sideline cheers, band dances, stunts, and the fight song.

I asked Co-Captain Ari Dedeuax, how has this season been different from past years. “This year we are competing in gameday vs. a traditional routine, and I feel like we’ve grown closer because of it since traditional is a lot more stressful,” she answered.

Over the past few years, Bob Jones Cheer has only competed with a traditional routine, so throughout this season working on perfecting the game day routine has not been easy. Still, it provided a relief to the majority of the team. Throughout the 2023-2024 season, there have been a lot of challenges we have faced as a team, but many say it’s only made us stronger. Like Ari, I asked more cheerleaders, how has this season been different from past seasons? “I feel like our bond has been really good as a team and we are like a huge family,” said Riley McDonald (sophomore). Kennedi Rice (junior) added, “Our team is a lot more uplifting this year, and I feel like we have done a good job in working together more as a team.” Needless to say, our bond has tremendously grown as a team, striving to elevate each other to be great.

Like multiple other sports when competing having a good mindset allows an athlete to perform the best. I asked our Captain Ellen Barrier (senior), how she prepares herself before competing. “I have a list of superstitions, like three different handshakes, I have to wear a certain band on my shoe, and I have to get ready with Emma,” she explained.

Regarding the upcoming competition, I asked what people we looking forward to the most. Macy Croteau (junior) said, “I am looking forward to going into nationals with a strong team bond, and I’m ready to show off all the hard work we’ve accomplished this season. I’m just super excited!” Lexi Beck (freshman) said, “I’m really just looking forward to spending more time with the team and having new experiences since this is my first year going.” We have had a great season this year, with many ups and downs but we as a team come out stronger than ever.

This year feels like we are all just a big family which is the best thing any teammate could ask for. As we prepare these next two weeks for nationals practices will be long and gruesome, but it should all pay off in the end. Wish them luck!