After three months without a head cheer coach, 2016 HHS alumni Laura Rose stepped into the role on July 18, following the resignation of the previous coach, Rose said. Due to a lack of applications for the position, principal Denae Nurnberg said there was a gap between the ending of the previous cheer season and the hiring of a new coach.
Without the delay, Rose said tryouts would have been held in late April to early May. Instead, however, tryouts are starting in early August, Rose said.
Additionally, the first rally routines would have been finalized and game schedule uniforms would have been distributed by the beginning of the school year, senior cheer captain Paige Leone said.
Despite scheduling obstacles, Leone said she believes Rose’s previous experience in the cheer team can aid in her leadership moving forward.
“[Rose] was on the cheer team at HHS for four years so she knows how [the team] works,” Leone said. “However, I think everyone is going to need a lot of practice in their free time to make sure they are keeping up with the material and not falling behind.”
In order to get the team back on track, Rose said she will host additional weekend practices to focus on technique and allow the team to ask questions. However, Rose said she does not anticipate requiring many extra meetings due to the team’s quick progression.
Rose said she will strive to pass down her knowledge of motions, techniques, dance and stunting to the current team. Although improving these skills will be a primary focus, Rose said she wants to build a supportive cheer community as well.
“Once you get to know your teammates, you get really close and it turns into this cheer sisterhood,” Rose said. “Although we have only had a couple of practices, I already feel like we’re breaking through that wall of introducing ourselves and being shy. I can see the dynamic shifting, and it’s very exciting to see [the team] really get to know each other.”
As the team works to catch up and become acquainted with one another, Nurnberg said they can take advantage of the football field turf being redone.
“Our field is being resurfaced, which pushes our scheduled games to the end of the [football] season,” Nurnberg said. “This allows the team a few extra weeks to get on board and work together to get ready for performance.”
Having the team prepared for sideline cheer by the time football and basketball games roll around is the primary objective, Rose said. Additionally, Rose said that solidifying the mindset of her team is another focus she hopes to work out throughout the season.
“A huge aspect in [improving] is to know how far you can go and your potential,” Rose said. “I want these girls to have fun, believe in themselves and have school spirit while knowing what they represent.”
