By Jane Hakiyimana
Application packets for Cheer team tryouts are open for junior varsity, varsity, and mascots. Application packets are due Feb. 24. Tryouts in front of judges will take place on March 10.
“Students should try out for cheer because it is a great way to build close friendships and show your school spirit. It’s a lot of fun,” cheer captain Ella Snead said. “You don’t need to bring anything, just spirit.”
Students trying out will need to attend the mandatory meeting with a parent or guardian on Feb. 27 and attend the mandatory tryouts clinic held on March 6-9 from 4-6 p.m. each day. The meeting, tryout clinics, and tryouts in front of a judge will be all held in the main gym.
Varsity cheer captain Snead has been in cheer all four years of high school, starting on JV freshman year and then joining varsity sophomore year. Snead was chosen by her teammates to become cheer captain and her responsibilities include being there as a guide if anyone ever needs help, staying late after practice to make sure everything is in line, and taking signs and coolers to games.
“I decided to join cheer because I have been in tumbling classes since I was little and it was something that seemed fun,” said Snead. ¨I also was excited to cheer on my friends and lead the school in doing so as well.”
Another varsity captain is senior Riley Reece. Reece has also been in cheer for four years, since freshman year. Reece states her responsibilities include calling cheers and timeout plans, helping organize and plan things, and assisting the team members who need help.
¨The thing I love most about being a cheerleader is getting to cheer on and support my friends and family from the sidelines,” Reece said.
Claxton has been coaching cheer and gymnastics for 11 years. She coached gymnastics for AISD for two years in 2016-2018, and just got back into coaching for Abilene High cheer this school year.
¨I grew up doing gymnastics and cheerleading, so it’s just been a passion of mine my entire life,¨ Claxton said. ¨I was asked multiple times to coach cheer at Abilene High and this year I finally said yes, and I am so glad I did.¨
All incoming seniors, juniors, and sophomores can try out for varsity and mascots. Incoming freshmen can try out for junior varsity. Both mascot positions are open because both current mascots are graduating seniors. Claxton looks for skills in tumbling and jumps as well as good leadership skills, good character, being coachable, having a cooperative attitude, and being a team player.
¨You should try out for cheer because it’s a super fun activity that you get to show your school spirit though,” Reece said. ¨You meet a ton of amazing people and form a family within your cheer team. ¨
