Cheer

ROWDY Let’s Get A Little Bit

The Glendale school year may have officially kicked off on August 19th, but for the 29 Glendale cheerleaders who represent the heart and spirit of our school, the journey began before the first bell rang. In July, they were practicing choreography and team-building. While the cheer team has always been a constant at athletic events and assemblies, this year under new leadership the cheer team headed back to competition. “Coaches this year are incredible,” Samantha Harnden (12) said. “They have definitely proved this is the job for them and that they can work with our team, with the team that we have, we’ve been able to work with it and still be able to persevere.“ According to Felicia Santner (11) the cheer team has a nearly 3-minute long routine they perform. That hard work has paid off as the team took home 1st place in the 5A Large champions during a Sept. competition and then a 2nd place finish at regionals. “We go out, we perform, we get (awards) if we do good,” Santner said.

One of the new faces on the cheer team is Gwendolyn Denny (9). Moving up from middle school Denny said one of the biggest keys to success is being coachable and taking corrections.

“This is my first year on Glendale, but I’ve been doing competitive cheer for 8 years and started school cheer in 7th grade,” Denny said. “Middle school isn’t as advanced, the highest skill we did was extended stunts. In high school cheer, we do pyramids, tumbling, and tosses.” For those wanting to join cheer Harnden said it’s as much about your spirit matters just as much as your athletic skills. “We want people who are going to be committed to the team and confident,”Harnden said. “Embarrassment does not exist on the sidelines.”

1. Gwendolyn Denny (9) pacticing her Arabesque Pose. Denny joins older sister Madelyn Denny (12) on the team. “I love being on a team with my sister. I feel like I get more of an idea of it because she guides me.”

2. Madelyn Denny (12), Addison Hubbell (11), Llana Gray (11), Lena Buckler (11), Mattie Williams (11) showcasing a final formation whilst practing their routine before competition at regionals.

3. The Glendale cheer team coming together before their tournament. The team competed in regionals and took home 2nd place.

4. Addilyn Matthews (9) during after school practice performing a partial liberty. Matthew is one of the three freshman flyers on the Glendale cheer team.

5. Samantha Harden (12), and Liana Gray (11) focused side by side before performing their cheer. This formation is the main formation for football games as they are practicing for Friday night lights. Harden says “When you are a cheerleader, you have to be in charge.”

6. Samatha Harndan (12) and Liana Gray (11) practicing their cheer “Fight for Victory” showing smiles and strong stances preparing to lead the student section.

[CHEER]FUL

TRIO

Reagan Washburn is the assistant coach for the Glendale Falcons cheerleaders. Being a coach has been a lifelong dream for Washburn.“Since high school, I’ve known I wanted to coach.” With 10 years of cheer experience and a background in coaching youth teams, Washburn brings both passion and experience to the team. When asked what can be taught from coaching that nothing else could, without hesitation Washburn exclaims: “Coaching has taught me the ability to take change and run with it!”

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Ryan Campbell is the head coach for the Glendale cheerleaders. When asked how being the head coach has shaped experiences this year, Campbell said, “Being the head is always fun. You get to grow alongside your team, learning what works for everyone.” Although Campbell didn’t originally envision coaching cheer, Campbell said, “I used to coach at Hillcrest and Nixa and Icon.” As a new coach at Glendale, Campbell is still learning the ropes of the team. “It wasn’t bad, but I am still getting to know them and their personalities.” Above all else, coaching has taught Campbell one important thing: “Be patient!”

Mackenzi Cassara serves as an assistant coach who “floats between both JV and Varsity.” When asked what coaching has taught Cassara that nothing else has, Cassara said, “Being more patient and better at time management. I’ve learned to be flexible with my schedule so I can support both my students and my athletes.” Cassara also shared how coaching has expanded skills set beyond the field, Cassara said, “I’ve started using Excel spreadsheets and math functions I never thought I’d need, it’s helped me keep track of finances and stay organized.”