Cheerleaders receive awards; new season off to good start

by Ann Hoang

The MHS cheerleading team is off to a good season, Cheerleading Co-Advisor Jennifer Lowe said. With new and returning members, such as new Co-Advisor Ginger Roy, the team is the biggest and most diverse it has ever been, according to Lowe.

The team’s hard work throughout the summer has led to the start to a great season. They practiced three times a week during the summer and were awarded various awards at a cheerleading camp at UC Santa Cruz, according to Lowe. Lowe plans for the team to be able to compete in competitions in the near future. She hopes to get the team more involved in the community in order to help promote the team.

“Unfortunately, this year’s competition is the same time as Homecoming, so we can’t compete this year,” Lowe said. “It is my intention to get to a point where we can compete. It’s hard to build up the program, but we are starting to get a base of returners.”

Roy hopes the team will work better together and think about what is good for the team rather  than themselves. Roy has had experience as a competitive dance coach in Texas. Now that Roy is co-advisor of the team, Lowe and Roy are able to split the responsibility of the team, making it easier for the two to handle the team, according to Lowe.

“I wanted to help Ms. Lowe and help those who take the time to do things like this for the kids,” Roy said.

Senior Jorge Espinosa is experiencing what it takes to be a cheerleader for the first time. Espinosa is one of the two males on the team. Since he had a couple of friends on the team, he decided to try it out and see if he liked it. He encourages other students, especially males, to participate in the sport.

“It’s pretty fun and active, but it’s hard if you don’t memorize your [routines],” Espinosa said. “I hope I can do better and participate more.”
If you want to see the cheerleading team, they always perform at every football and basketball game.