Cheer squad ready for season
Go Pirates! Go Pirates, Win! Summer football practice is here and another squad of athletes is about to begin practice for the same games the football team will be playing.
That squad is the Pittsburg High School varsity, junior varsity and junior high cheerleaders. They will be preparing to energize the folks in the stands and to inspire the teams on the field to do their best.
A Pittsburg cheerleader is chosen by a tryout. Each participant is judged on enthusiasm, athletic ability, a demonstration of school spirit, precision in the performance of a cheer and a dance routine.
Another quality needed is leadership according to varsity cheer sponsor Mandy Hobbs and junior varsity cheer sponsor Helen Ray.
Although each squad has their sponsor and their head cheerleader, each member of each squad is expected to be a leader. They are expected to be leaders in their school and their individual classes.
Cheerleaders are also expected to set an example of leadership in academics, citizenship, good sportsmanship and teamwork. Learning to work in a team is an important milestone in life. An additional objective of these sponsors is to motivate the cheer squads to inspire the Pittsburg Pirates sports teams, the student body and the entire community to excellence.
One coach remarked, “We believe the cheerleaders are the cream of the crop and they are setting standards for lifetime goals.”
One of the characteristics a cheerleader must possess in order to succeed is the desire to be one. Ms. Hobbs was a cheerleader in Pittsburg schools from junior high through high school. She taught cheerleading professionally and considers it a sport. Her enthusiasm for cheerleading is obvious to anyone who talks to her.
Ms. Ray also clearly has the cheerleader bug herself. She was on the pep squad all four years of high school. Megan Parker serves as junior high cheer sponsor. Commitment to each member of the cheerleading squads is evident in these ladies.
Besides cheerleading at sports events and school pep rallies, the cheer squads are also available for community events such as fundraisers, grand openings, promotions and the like. There is but one request from each cheer sponsor, “Even if you do not have a child in the Pittsburg schools, come to the games and support these young people.”
By Ellis Knox/For The Pittsburg Gazette To continue reading this article, purchase the print edition of The Pittsburg Gazette or go to our online e-edition at:http://www.etypeservices.com/
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