As the 2024 football season starts at All Saints’ Episcopal School, the excitement is obvious, not just among players and fans, but also on the sidelines where cheerleaders bring an unmatched energy to the field.
From impressive stunts to energizing chants, the cheer squad performances are an important part of the game day experience.
This year, I spoke with cheerleaders from each grade to get their thoughts on what makes this season special and how much they love cheer.
From the sideline cheers and chants to the pep rally routines performed, the cheerleaders and their enthusiasm give a special touch to any football game. I chose to interview 4 cheerleaders, 1 from each grade, and get their opinion on this year’s football season and their love for cheer.
I asked these questions: 1. What are you looking forward to most this season? 2. What are you hoping to improve this season? 3. What is your favorite thing about cheer? 4. If you could choose one song for your cheer routine what would it be?
First I interviewed senior captain Caroline Balch. This is her 3rd cheer on Varsity, 6th year cheering for All Saints, and her 1st year as captain. Balch said “I’m looking forward to our Hoco routine and competition season.
But I am also super excited to get closer with the team! I’m hoping to improve on stunts and continue to improve on my dancing. My favorite thing about cheer is being able to perform with some of my best friends on FNL. And I also enjoy the fun and exciting routines.” She could not choose a song to add to the routine.
Secondly I interviewed Junior Claire Carthey. This is her 2nd year on Varsity and 5th year cheering at All Saints. Carthey said “This season, I am really looking forward to the playoffs and cheering at The Star because cheering at The Star was one of the most memorable games to cheer last season.
This season, I want to improve the height of my jumps. My favorite thing about cheer is stunting and becoming close with the team. If I had to choose one song to be in the cheer routine, it would be “Blase” by Ty Dolla Sign or “365” by Charli XCX.”
Next, I chose to interview Sophomore Ryan Beard. This is her 1st cheer on Varsity and 4th year cheering at All Saints. Beard said “I’m looking forward to homecoming and the upcoming pep rallies! I’m hoping to improve my leadership abilities and stunts. My favorite part about cheer is dancing and jumps! If I could choose one song in our routine it would be “Jenny” from The Block!”
Lastly, I chose to interview Freshman Blythe Burbach. This is her 1st year cheering in High School on JV and 3rd year cheering at All Saints. Burbach said “What I’m looking forward most to this season is cheering at games and pep rallies. I want to improve most on being a base and learning new stunts.
My favorite thing about cheer is the dances we learn.” Burbach chose “Thunderstruck” as her song of choice.
As a cheerleader myself, I will say this cheer season is going to be great! New teams and games are always so exciting and such a fun addition to the fall season.
