By Mikayla Weiss, Staff Writer
No matter the season or the score, Rally Squad is always there, uplifting and energizing the crowd.
As they prepare for Spirit Week and the homecoming football game,. They spend six hours a week perfecting their choreography and cheers to boost school spirit.
Being in Rally Squad isn’t just about remembering the choreography or the cheers — you have to want to motivate people genuinely.
Francesca Starnes, a freshman at Moreau Catholic, has dreamed of becoming a cheerleader since fourth grade. Now, she’s a proud Mariner on the Rally Squad.
“When I came to this school, I didn’t know anyone. I had no friends at all. And then I joined the cheer squad and made so many friends,” she said.
However, Rally Squad practices are not just a time to hang out with friends. They practice many skills, such as stunts — where they throw flyers in the air — conditioning, rehearsing choreography, and learning new routines. One of the most dangerous parts of cheer is doing stunts, according to freshman Destini Amey, a new member of the JV Rally Squad.
“The most challenging part of being on the cheer team is probably doing stunts because it’s dangerous if you’re not paying attention or not communicating well with your team,” she said.
Nonetheless, even with those challenges, these cheerleaders still manage to have as much fun as they can doing what they love.
“My favorite band chant is definitely ‘Tequila,’ and I’m always asking my friends in the band when they’re going to play it. I’m not sure why it’s my favorite, but it’s always stood out to me and is really fun to dance to,” Amey said.
But one might wonder — how do these cheerleaders manage their time? When do they have time for homework?
“I do my best to do my homework after school and before practice starts, so that I can finish most, if not all, of my green/gold day homework before the next day. That way, I have fewer things to do and more time to practice or relax,” Amey said.
Pep rallies, football games, Spirit Week — everything wouldn’t be the same without our Rally Squad.
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