UHS Cheer performs a stunt during Cheer Camp

Photo courtesy of UHS Cheer Instagram Page

Paridhi Jain ‘27

STAFF WRITER

Throughout the year, the high school Cheerleading Team can be seen chanting at football games, cheering at basketball tournaments, and dancing at pep rallies.

Recently, the team performed at the Ches-Mont Competition on January 25, competing against nine other cheer teams from around the area. The Ches-Mont Competition is one of the team’s biggest and most prepared-for events of the year. The team created two routines this year dedicated to their competition season. While they did not place in the top three teams at Ches-Monts, they received the chance to compete in a lib-off competition, a fun event to see which team could hold a one-legged stunt for the most prolonged period.

The Cheer Team's coach is Robyn Brazill. She and the athletes continuously develop outstanding routines and hone them to perfection. The Cheerleading team practices mainly on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays after school for 2 hours. The Cheerleading Team has three sub-groups: Basketball Cheer, Football Cheer, and Competition Cheer. During competition season, the team designs specialized routines consisting of cheers, tricks, and dance performances to impress the crowd. Routines for basketball and football games are shorter and concentrate on showcasing explosive tricks to energize the attendees.

Munachi Ikeme, a current junior and varsity cheerleader, emphasizes that the three core values of the Cheerleading Team are commitment, compassion, and competitiveness. She said, “[It is necessary to] have some sense of competition because that is what drives you to do well.” The cheerleading community at the high school is extremely compassionate and close with one another. While other cheer teams may be more competitive towards each other, Munachi expresses that she and the cheer team pride themselves on how good and friendly they are with each other.

Along with influencing the high school, the team also spreads cheer and joy to the rest of the district. Ikeme spoke about how three cheerleaders go to elementary schools every year and "greet elementary schoolers and do a spirited event." The Cheer Team constantly uplifts school energy and promotes togetherness in the school district.

As their season is coming to a close, the Cheer team is readying for the final basketball games where they will display incredible performances and show up to support the basketball team. The hard work and dedication put in by the athletes on the cheer team reinforces the high school’s spirit and pride.