Beyond Friday night lights, there are cheerleaders, a team who brings joy and fun into the games. The cheerleaders’ motive is to support the football team.
“I think being involved in a sport benefits everyone involved. Developing friendships and bonds, working
together and pushing each other, would benefit everyone,” Mrs. Randall, a PE teacher at the high school, states.
Cheer leading is an eventful sport that can bring people together; they make sure to keep everyone engaged and have a sister-like bond. Practice activities, team dinners, and cheering on the track together helps out.
Coach Dee Ann Richmond, the new Varsity cheer coach, works at Bradley Elementary school in New Hartford who has been coaching Pop Warner’s. Coach Dee explains how she has a true love and passion for cheer leading,
“I remember during my Senior year, my best friend and I said “we can’t wait to coach our own squad. When I saw the posting for Varsity Head Coach, my heart skipped a beat. I felt it was my time to pass along the knowledge and skills I developed over the years,” Coach Dee said.
Cheering on the field is much more than standing on the sidelines watching the game. She believes that Cheer doesn’t get enough recondition, as it deserves.
“My goal for this season is to show off the skills these athletes have,” Coach Dee said. “I want them to put forth all their efforts! Believe in their sport, their skills, and their athleticism. I tell the girls “No one will believe this is a sport until you treat it like a sport.”.
Before moving to Varsity, Coach Dee worked with young cheerleaders between the ages of 5 to 13 on Pop Warner.
“Going from Pop Warner Kinders to Varsity athletes has been an interesting jump,” Coach Dee said, “I no longer feel like I am herding kittens. When I tell the Varsity cheerleaders to fall into place, it’s like magic! It actually happens without having to show where the correct formation placement is. It’s very different, but I am enjoying the differences!”
“I have a true love & passion for Cheer leading. It’s so much more than standing on the sidelines watching the game. I fully believe it is a sport that sadly doesn’t get the full recognition it deserves, even after all these years. I remember during my Senior year, my best friend and I said “we can’t wait to coach our own squad”. When I saw the posting for Varsity Head Coach, my heart skipped a beat. I felt it was my time to pass along the knowledge and skills I developed over the years.” Coach Dee expresses her strong passion for cheer and how she wants to benefit the team.
The New Hartford Community is a beautiful thing. We come together during times of need & moments to rise and shine! Not something all towns have to offer. Team Spirit goes much further than high school– the community has a huge role too. Coach Dee has helped raise the team, and has helped it earn a better reputation.
“Some things that stand out from the cheerleaders at NH is their enthusiasm at the football games, willingness to get the crowd going, spunk and from what I hear from your coaches..Dee..my friend, is everyone’s work ethic!” Mrs. Randell, a PE teacher in the New Hartford Central High School, who agrees that the cheer team brings it all together.
The girls on the team described the strong impact of cheering and felt keeping the crowd engaged helped the team. Cheers are a big part of students’ experience throughout high school.
Elizabeth, is a senior, who is the flyer, has been on the cheer team for three years.
“It benefits me because it helps teach me what being a team is and it is a lot of fun,” Elizabeth said. Her goal this season is to have fun and not to get too hard on herself.
Another senior on the Varsity cheer team is Kaydence, who recently transferred from CVA where she also did cheer.
“The cheer team creates bonds and makes the team feel stronger,” Kaydence said. “I like being pushed into new things and getting to fly.”
Even though she had a drastic change between schools, the cheer team brought her together with the other girls and gained a bond with people. She recommends others join the team.
“ Don’t be afraid! A lot of people see the cheerleaders and want to join– don’t be scared!” Kaydence said.
Gabby Barnes, a sophomore, has been cheering for 3 seasons, and has also performed in dance competitions for 11 years.
“ It has helped me learn new things and push me out of my comfort zone,” Gabby said. ”Usually I don’t enjoy school activities, but the team has helped me.”
Gabby’s favorite things about cheer are the memories that the team makes and the food they get after away games. Gabby’s goal for the season is to get a front aerial and be open-minded and try new things.
Cheer isn’t just a sport it brings people together. It also builds confidence and promotes fitness. It creates a supportive community and valuable life skills.
