Girls varsity cheer is back to work after summer break, already performing on the field for football games.

The cheerleaders have been working hard since the summer, head varsity coach Sharon Lupo said. They are conditioning and running drills so they can perform more difficult stunts. They also work on their tumbling skills in order to impress the crowds. These athletes know they need to work hard during practice and in their off time to become the best cheerleaders they can. 

This year’s team is composed of 22 athletes that meet on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays from 3:45-6:30 at SC.

“Cheer is a very exciting sport,” Lupo said. “It takes so much strength and determination to become a great cheerleader. The teamwork is unmatched. There cannot be a weak link in the chain. The most important trait of a cheerleader is a positive attitude. A good work ethic is also very important.”

These athletes have made many connections on and off the field, Lupo said. They have not only learned to practice and perform with each other, but also respect each other and have fun with each other. Some key qualities needed to be able to work as a team.

“My favorite part about doing cheer is for sure the people I’ve met,” cheerleader Ryan Renderman ‘26 said. “It’s been so fun practicing and learning new stunts with the team.”

The cheerleaders are at every football game, home or away, Lupo said. They reside on the sideline to cheer the football team to victory, as well as get the crowd pumped up to support the school. All the while they are revving up to get ready for competition season in the winter.

“Our goals for the fall season are to perform our best at halftime and on the sidelines. We love inspiring school spirit,” Lupo said. “We also look ahead to our competition season, where we hope to again be conference Champions. Day two of State is another hope for the team.”

“We are successful because we are a family,” Lupo said. “It’s been so fun to watch them grow as cheerleaders. They are looking to be the best version of themselves continuing into the season.”