An everlasting impression. That is what the varsity cheerleaders leave on this school. With such a professional and mature presence to them, the team is bound for success in everything they seek. Whether they set their sights on winning conference, preparatory competitions, or making a run at the state title, this team means business.
Much of the team’s serious demeanor comes from leadership. Corie Suzuki, Nicky Sabatino, Katie Devereux, and John Hoadley are the captains this season.
“It feels great to be a captain this year. It was well worth the effort of four years,” said Devereux on attaining captainship.
“It’s really special because it’s our senior year and now there is importance in everything we say and do,” added Sabatino.
According to the captains, team unity has been immaculate even with some members of the team new at the varsity level this season.
“We all get along really well,” Suzuki stated. “Some girls don’t have too much experience, but with ten seniors on the squad, we have helped them out tremendously and have taken great strides as a team.”
“There is no drama. Probably the best part about our team so far is the morale,” said Sabatino.
As everyone knows, the cheerleaders perform at every single football game. Rain or shine, hot or cold, the cheerleaders will be there rooting for the Bulldogs. As evidence of their dedication, the cheerleaders made it through a downpour earlier this football season in a game versus Robeson at the inner city Gately Stadium. Even though the cheerleaders continually display their loyalty to their school, they feel that they are under respected. Their mission is to raise awareness on how competitively grueling the sport of cheerleading is. They want the school to recognize cheerleading as a sport.
“People don’t understand how competitive this sport is,” ranted Devereux. “There is just so much competitive aspect to it. We are out there for 2.5 minutes and that is all we get. You only have one shot.”
“The main thing is that we want to get respected more from a sports point of view,” Sabatino stated.
--Submitted by Kieran Brennan, Sports Manager |
