As the Friday night lights come on, the football team isn't the only group taking the field. While most students spent their first 3 months of school being locked into school the cheer team was hard at work under Coach Evann Smith’s direction, practicing for what promises to be one of the most competitive seasons yet.
“We practice all through the summer and go to cheer camp as well,” said Smith, as she enters her fourth year of coaching.
Warren's cheer team is already hitting stunts and polishing routines. Our season starts before the first football game. The squad held tryouts in early March giving new members a chance to begin summer training. Practices started soon after tryouts, including conditioning, tumbling, choreography sessions, and even team-building retreats. Devoting all their time hasn't been easy, but in the long run they think it's worth it, not just right now in high school, but later in life.
The expectations this year have been raised.
“Our program is largely about the individuals that they are growing into and making sure that they are leaders when they're not in uniform, and not in front of a crowd of thousands of people,” Smith said.
According to Smith, every member of the team is expected to earn all As in their classes, “no exceptions.”
“Every year, they get better and better,” she said.
While being leaders in life, they are also managing their time for their sport
“The team has become better at staying active every day,” Smith added. “I certainly think being cheerleaders helps them in other sports, but yes, it works the other way around, too.”
As the Friday night lights begin to glow and the stadiums fill with fans, all eyes will be on the Warren Central cheer squad. Their early season preparation is an indication that this could be one of their best years.