The football season is now in full swing and so is the cheerleading squad. The team is under the direction of Coach Jennifer Page, who is also a language arts teacher. The varsity team captains are seniors Sara Allman and Taylor Breedlove.

The team of 25 young women is charged with leading spirit-based activities at football games and pep rallies. Members in the select group were chosen during tryouts in April of last school year.

This year’s squad has undergone some changes since last year but members are taking all changes in stride. “At the beginning of the season we needed to overcome not having a coach and that’s something we were able to accomplish” said junior Farley Tranakos.

It’s not just glamor and bright Friday Night lights for varsity cheer members. The team practices every Monday and Wednesday from 4 to 5:30 p.m. But along with the work comes the fun associated with learning new cheers and tumbling moves. Beyond that, there’s the always interesting experience of riding on the team bus to games along with the football players. “It’s a great atmosphere, one full of chatter and jokes,” said Tranakos.

Cheerleading isn’t just about learning new cheers but also about having fun and making new friends. “I love tumbling and cheer but the best part of this is being part of such an amazing group of girls,” said freshman cheerleader Anna Martin.

Coach Page has already begun to make an impact on the cheer program by teaching the girls new routines and techniques. “Our practices are much more organized and productive but they are also a lot of fun,” said senior Anne King. “We’ve improved all of our skills from tumbling to stunting.”

The team has learned five new cheers so far during this season along with new tumbling stunts. “Getting a new coach was one of the most exciting parts of the season. It brought new fun aspects to being on the team,” said Tranakos.

The Warriors cheerleaders are their way to establishing themselves as one of the best cheerleading programs in the region with Coach Page leading the way. Having already accomplished more than previous years, it looks like the program can only go up from here.