On Saturday, October 12th, the Redhawks varsity cheer team showcased their skills at the River Bluff High School competition, striving to improve their scores and represent Westwood High School in their third competition of the season.
The team’s second competition, the Viking Invitational, took place on October 9th at Spring Valley High School, where they competed in the 5A division and scored 193 points. Junior Sha’Tavea noted areas for improvement.
“We can work on remaining tight when we are tired and encouraging others on the mat to keep the energy pushing.”
Facing off against several strong teams, the WHS cheer team placed fourth with a score of 204, a notable increase from their last competition. Senior Nyasia Bolden reflected on their success, saying.
“We went out on the mat and beat our score from the last competition, which was our goal.”
Coach Jarden Wilson, who joined WHS in May of this year, felt that the past competitions had boosted the team’s confidence. She emphasized the importance of their stunts and skills, stating.
“We pull skills such as front and heel stretches, pyramids, and running tumbling, which contribute to the creativity of our routine.”
The cheer teams practices are dedicated to building strength and refining skills. Freshman Amarria Sherman shared:
“Usually we run laps and we start stretching after we start working on stunts most days and practice our jumps and throwing tumbling.”
As the season progresses, the cheer team maintains its commitment to improvement and teamwork. Coach Jarden Wilson speaks about her main goal for the team to wrap it up stating.
“…the main and the ultimate goal is just us being able to make it to state, so qualifying for state is a big goal of ours”
The dedication and spirit of the team promise a memorable season ahead.
