The cheer team will compete in the National High School Cheerleading Championships at Disney World in a semi-final round on Saturday, Feb. 10, after receiving a bid at UCA Regionals on Nov. 5 in Rosenberg. Finals at Disney will be held on Monday, Feb. 12 for advancing teams.
“It takes a lot of hard work and determination to make it this far in this competition,” cheer coach Brandy Cricchio said. “We placed first in our division, which was the Super Varsity DII Game Day division, and we were the only team in our division to receive a bid.”
To prepare for each competition, the team attends showoffs at Lamar to get critiques from judges, in addition to practicing 2 hours a day for four days a week.
“Cheer has taught me how to have a strong work ethic, communication skills, and teamwork,” cheer captain Sofia Harrison said. “People can support the cheer team by showing up to our showoff at the school.”
The cheerleaders cheer at football games, volleyball playoff games, girls’ and boys’ basketball games, and even sometimes the baseball and softball games just to show their support. Now, in the heat of UIL season, they are focused on training for their own competition.
“All the cheerleaders have improved dramatically over the last year and even the last four years,” Cricchio said. “These athletes pour their blood, sweat and tears into every performance they give. I would just ask our community to support these athletes as our fundraisers come up so that we can continue to lead with excellence and be able to compete at the highest level possible.”
According to the cheerleaders, their favorite part of cheerleading is becoming closer with each other and bonding as a team.
“We spend so much time together on these trips and it results in us making countless memories,” cheerleader Marissa Vaught said. “Cheer has taught me how to work with others. I love the bond I have with all the girls.”
Cheer will have their on-campus showoff on Jan. 2 or 3 in the Grove gym.
“I just want to close with saying that I am so incredibly proud of the program we have built,” Cricchio said. “We have a very talented group of athletes, and their hard work has paid off throughout the years. I would encourage anyone to come tryout for cheer and be a part of our winning tradition.”
