High school football games, prom night and personalized, decorated lockers are all stereotypical aspects of the American high school experience. One symbol can never be forgotten to complete the true, quintessential American teenage dream — cheerleaders. Whether one is on the team and sporting pom-poms, or is watching them from a distance as spectators at football games, everyone is aware — almost painfully so — of the significance of cheerleaders at sporting events across the United States. But at the end of the day, are cheerleaders rallying to boost the stand’s enthusiasm for the game or the playing teams’ morale?
FHS sophomores Madeline Sandon and Ava Malashock are both cheerleaders on the FHS cheer team, and they commented on their role in the stands.
“It’s a lot of entertaining,” Malashock said, when describing the object cheerleaders focus on during games.
“And at football games, it’s trying to get the crowd super hyped and excited for the football game […] and at rallies, getting everyone excited for the rally.”
Sandon, on the varsity team with two years of experience under her belt, explained the cheerleader’s focus during events.
“A cheerleader’s responsibility is to influence the students to be more spirited, not just for football games but for other school events,” Sandon said.
Cheerleaders attend games and occasionally perform routines with thrilling stunts and acrobatics. Some of the more popular sports that they attend games for include football and boys’ basketball.
“I think it helps with their [boys’ basketball teams’] confidence […] because we help to get the crowd more excited which is mostly what [the team] ends up hearing,” Malashock said. The cheer team is present at most boys varsity games throughout the winter season.
But what do the athletes being cheered for think? Do they see the sideline noise as a distraction or helpful encouragement? Mackenzie Wong, an FHS senior on the Girls Varsity Basketball team, appreciates the cheerleaders’ presence.
“I honestly really like the energy they bring,” Wong said. “And I feel like they help hype us up a lot. I think it’s just nice to have more people supporting girl’s basketball.”
Cheerleaders cheer at a few girls basketball games a season, so the team has witnessed the cheerleaders’ effect on the game.
Cheerleaders do not just play for themselves, they travel to other schools to perform their routines in support of their school’s teams. Their chants and stunts add positive energy and excitement to the crowds who become more engaged in the game. All these efforts combined boost their team’s confidence and hopefully lead to a victory.
