Opal Hays
Contributing Writer
In years prior, cheerleading at Webster had solely been for support on the sidelines. Starting this upcoming season, the Cheer team will compete against other schools in the area.
Sophomore Charlotte Wicke said, “We’re entering a competition which Lindbergh High School hosts and a bunch of schools from all over can join, and it’s just a way to compete and perform another routine, and have fun.”
Wicke added the competition is a good way to get introduced to the competition environment, and that it’s going to help the team perfect their skills and technique.
Junior Stella Dauve includes that during the Lindbergh competition the team will perform their Turkey Day routine.
Dauve said, “I think competing will help us feel a lot more confident because we’re going to be doing the routine more and in front of new people, so I think it’ll help us feel less nervous with the routine.”
Dauve adds the downside to entering a competition is the team is going to be in more of a time crunch, because there is not going to be as much time in November to practice.
Sophomore Addi Vanecek said, “The environment competition could bring to this team is a more competitive atmosphere, but it can also be a way to bring us together more and grow together.” She added that she’s excited for the team to start something new, and get to spend more time with each other, as there are going to be more practices.
Varsity head coach, Kita Thames, said via email, “My inspiration to enroll the team in competition is simply witnessing the work they put in this 24/25 year, and I think it’s time for a new challenge. It’s something we’ve never done before, but I know we will rise to the occasion. This team has a lot of passion and drive that will shine through in this comp/T-day routine.”
Thames added the time commitment is hefty, as the team practices Monday through Thursday, games Friday, and Sunday practices in preparation for Turkey Day, and during basketball season typically having two to three games a week.
Thames said, “To be on this team means to be responsible with your obligations, discipline to show up and give 100%, dependability, holding yourself and teammates accountable, hitting the weight room/gym, Cheer requires a lot of physical strength.”
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