Coming off a second place win at NCA Virtual High School Nationals the Sandite cheer team is ready for another great season.
“Like many athletic teams, COVID-19 robbed our athletes of several events last year. We were fortunate enough to compete at the annual NCA high school national championship, only virtually. This year we are looking forward to taking our team to Dallas to have the full experience while competing for a national title.”
If you have been around cheer for even a short period of time you know that there is not much down time between seasons. So, staying ready for the upcoming season is somewhat built into the sport.
“Our athletes typically have a week or two off around spring break every year before tryouts for the following year are conducted. After tryouts we begin practicing with the new team, go to summer camp, have summer practices and strength and conditioning. By the end of summer, we are prepping for football season, begin our competition practices, cheer for basketball, and finally compete at nationals. When we arrive home from nationals we are still cheering at basketball games and prepping our athletes for tryouts and helping our seniors get ready for college tryouts.”
There are 19 varsity athletes on the team as well as a mascot and manager. Six of those athletes are returning seniors. Head coach Krystal Chase and Kassidy Focht are both in their second year with the varsity program.
“As coaches we hope to not only mold strong, competitive athletes but also good human beings. Responsibility and respect are two values that mean a lot to the both of us. The legacy we hope to leave with our athletes and the reputation we want for our team is to be kind and work hard. We hope when you hear of Sandite Varsity cheer you think of responsible, respectful, hard workers.”
For any sport to be successful there must be teamwork and respect, but in cheer not only must you be a strong team you have to be strong as an individual.
“Cheerleading is truly a team sport, however the individuals must be committed to working on their own skill level outside of the gym in addition to team practices. In order to be successful the team must come together to put each of their strengths together, not everyone is a natural born tumbler or dancer so we must rely on each other to get the job done and trust that everyone will do their part to ensure the team’s success.”
2021-22 Varsity Cheer Roster
Presley Banker
Grace Barham
Caremy Beesley (Mascot)
Ashley Blake
Laylah Bland
Madori Bland
Emma Brumbaugh
Alysa Chase
Kristine Goodman
Caden Jolliff
Lillie Keim
Makayla Kutchfar
Makayla Murray
Aydan Roper
Addily Shotwell
Erin Smith
Payton Stewart
Mackenzie Stinson
Madison Thompson
KK Turney
Abby Williamson (Manager)
