Multiple falls, multiple bruises that everybody asks about the next day, multiple fullouts that leave the team tired, sore, and out of breath. This is exactly what Sophomore captain Bella Glenn experiences everyday at her Competitive Cheerleading practices, but it is all worth it for that click feeling. The adrenaline rushed through her veins when she stepped onto that mat and screamed in a silent gymnasium, “READY, SET!”
This beginning call varies, but whatever words the teams use signals the beginning of the three rounds in which Michigan competitive cheerleaders perform at competitions. The score of the three rounds are then added together based on components in that round such as vocality, facials, jumps, stunts, etc to reveal the team coming on top. Unique to Michigan, athletes are required to use their voices and yell, rather than a soundtrack which is more considering the stunting and tumbling aspects of the rounds.
Although the athletes are highly praised for their efforts to make rounds that are considered impossible to other teams, many teams would turn to dust without the impressive choreography made by the coaches of these teams.
“Normally, we will start with some basic moves and then after many changes we finalize what looks the best. You have to take in consideration what the judges are looking for and what has the best overall impression.” Coach Sara Steinkraus insisted. Steinkraus has been coaching for 6 years now, and has gotten the hang of making choreography, as she has led this season’s team to two 3rd place finishes as well as two 1st place finishes– starting strong in Leslie with new high scores for all rounds and a new high overall score.
“They show a passion for the sport and are ready to show what the Panthers can achieve this season. They want to win and it shows on the mat.” Steinkraus expressed high hopes of the upcoming season, as the small but mighty team of 9 currently has the 8th highest round 3 score in division 4, which is often known for being the hardest round, with an overwhelming 286.4.
“Being able to be in 2 of the 3 rounds as well as being a captain this year really made me feel accomplished.” Sophomore captain Bella Glenn said, who has been cheering for 3 years and is one of two captains that has helped lead the team to multiple first places that have never happened before in Stockbridge history.
The small yet mighty team competed at their first league meet on January 13th, and placed 3rd right here in Stockbridge. First place was taken by Quincy, and second place was clinched by Maple Valley.
“We honestly didn’t do as well as we have been doing recently, but I know as a team we can come back.” Junior Gianna Watts said. Watts has high hopes in the future for her little team, and believes that they are able to come back and to do better with more first place finishes.
