From touchdowns to big plays, fans at football games are always fired up. But what about the energy the sidelines bring? The cheerleaders play a huge role in creating school spirit, bringing motivation to the players and the stands. 

From cheers and stunts, to halftime performances, cheerleaders spend countless hours preparing to make sure each routine is choreographed to perfection. They started the try out process in April the previous year doing it Tuesday-Friday throughout a week. Their day to day practices during the season require a lot of hard work from the girls. 

“At the beginning we run like 2 laps, then we usually stretch, then stunt, and then work on the dances” Adalyn Haller (9) said. 

Cheerleading is also all about teamwork. Every flyer, base and spotter depends on each other to succeed. The squad’s bond off the mat is just as significant. 

“I have a really close relationship with the team. They’re a lot of my best friends. We have similar, like, experiences through cheer, so it’s a good, like, bonding, and we do a lot of team bonding activities.” Bailey Hitzel (11) said. 

Whether leading a cheer in the last minutes of the football game or performing the homecoming halftime dance, the cheerleaders continue to carry Arlington High School’s pride and spirit. Their enthusiasm and dedication reminds everyone that school spirit isn’t just about cheering, It’s about energy, pride, and unity in being a part of a team. 

“Everyone that makes a team has a really good integrity and really good characteristics. So that works out well. But we also do lots of team bonding events. And we do lots of small things like painting jeans or like team sleepovers, just to kind of bring that connection naturally” Blake Burr (10) said.