By Jenny Park
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Months of vigorous practice and conditioning paid off on Oct. 29, when the Varsity cheerleading team placed first in their preseason competition while the JV team placed second. With this competition, the teams were able to show their bond and unity as a team and family.
“Mostly the practices (are) what (make) us closer. With all the obstacles and differences we all had, we all manage to put that aside, forget about it, move on … We’re like family. Every one of us is a piece to a picture … We argue with each other and ignore one another, but we defend each other. We do end up loving each other. We’re family, brothers and sisters,” expressed Senior Varsity Cheerleader Chantasia Tote-Bode. The team’s bond strengthens with each practice they have together as they work through challenges and encourage each other even when they fall short.
Throughout the competition, the team stayed close together and kept up a positive attitude. They admit that there had been some rough times between members and that they were required to overcome them quickly in order to strengthen their ties and be ready for the competition. “Last week, we didn’t feel mentally ready, but the week of (competition) we were gaining confidence with each other and (started to believe that) we got this … We just need to keep up with the positive vibe and keep encouraging each other,” said Tote-Bode.
The bond between their team helped them to keep focused and in sync as their routines were performed with no point deductions. “I feel that we are more than ready. We put our heart and soul into this routine, knowing that we’ve achieved perfection,” said Sophomore Kelsee Coito, a member of the JV team. Head Coach Renesha Kierstedt added, “They were outstanding. They went out there, their goals were to perform and then hit the goals they had individually and as a team, and they did that. They left a message on the mat and … we’re so proud of them. So it’s like one down and more to go.”
With this recent win, the team is ready to perform as one. “The team is ready. The team will always be ready. That’s the difference between us and other schools is the way that we perform our routines,” explained Assistant Coach Brian Rafael.
The team is eager to compete in their next competition at Radford on Nov. 19.
