Cheer team gets ready to compete

Sports reporter

By Alayiah Hall 

Cheerleading has evolved from girls cheering on the sidelines of games to a sport that not only has competitions but is competitive. The cheer team at CMHS is In the IHSA Medium Division and our 2022, 2023, and 2024 ICCA State Qualifiers. 

The cheer team performs at the football game. Photo by Genevieve Van Drunen.

The cheer team placed second overall at the Wilmington High School ICCA State competition. The cheerleaders don’t just cheer on football and basketball players; they also perform all kinds of stunts and tumble.

“We do a mixture of traditional cheers and stump and shake. I like that it has moments where it’s a little stressful, but overall, it’s fun to be on,” junior cheerleader Liyannah Anthony said.

CMHS cheerleaders perform multiple different cheers, such as stump and shake and tradition.

“So since I’m the youngest, they like to take care of me, and I have fun. We are joking around and stuff. I feel like being there teaches me new things. I’m the baby, so they take care of me,” freshman Mariah Henson said.

Henson likes being on the team. They treat her like a little sister and teach her new stuff for her to learn. She also feels they watch after her and ensure she’s doing the right things. 

“I feel like it’s funny, and everybody is nice, but most people. It doesn’t have weird stuff anymore, and everybody is bonding,” senior Aniyah McKnight said. “Don’t be so shy you have to speak, and don’t be to yourself.”

The cheer team’s competition season starts in November. So they have to learn their route, and now they’re practicing for competitions.  

The cheerleaders feel like their performance is going well but can be improved, and they should just practice more. As they get ready for this competition season, they are holding tryouts for anyone who wants to join. 

The tryouts are on Oct. 28 and 29, so if students want to join, they should come and try out.