Pep with a Purpose

Pep with A Purpose

" Think big, believe big, act big, and the results will be big." These are the three best thoughts that

describe my sophomore cheerleading squad. Not only were they the three best thoughts, they also helped

make our squad who we were. Even though, it takes more than thinking big, believing big, and acting big to

make a team unite, it also took my leadership skills.

The squad consisted of five sophomores and five freshman, some having experience, others having

none. There was something about us that we all had in common and it was our determination and will to

succeed. Out of the two returning sophomores, I was chosen to be the captain and the first thing that popped

into my mind was the JF game. It's the biggest game of the season, and without a doubt, the one everyone

looks forward to. There aren't any words that describe how it is to stand in front of hundreds of people,

who all have your support, especially since the opposing crowd can be rather harsh.

The event of the year, was our home game against JF. This was the one time we got to show

everyone what we were all about, not to mention, show off our talent. Shortly after try-outs, we held a three-

day camp that consisted of hours and hours of cheer, dance, and stunts. During that time, we created a bond.

We all learned that there was something special about each and every one of us and that we all had

something different to offer to the squad.

One Sunday afternoon, I had chosen a select few to gather up, and start creating our "mind-blowing"

half-time performance. We began by sorting through cheer music, cheerleading stunt books, and even down

to Bring It On, a cheerleading movie. By reviewing all of this material, not to mention, including the

material we learned during camp, we decided to call a reinforcement in. Our reinforcement would be

one of my fellow classmates, Nikky . She is an awesome choreographer, and by her helping us,

we knew we'd be the best.

We had prepared for months, and it all came down to this final week where we would have

to break down every section of the dance, cheer, and stunt to make sure it was perfect. The next few

practices would be hell because not only we were stressed, but our coach was. We had so much on our

hands, and so little time. Critiquing every part of our dance, cheer, and stunt wasn't easy. But, we would

soon find out that our hard work paid off.

Game day. This was the day it all came down to. Hard months of preparation and only hours till we

performed our masterpiece. After school let out, we all met in the multi-purpose room to begin homework

and getting ourselves primped for the special occasion. The JF game is like our homecoming, since

basketball doesn't get a homecoming. Imagine ten girls fighting over a mirror-- it wasn't pretty. Not too

long after most of us had eaten, done our homework, and gotten ready, our coach walked in. It was time to

decorate the gym. The gym was decorated with signs saying "Burn the Forest", "Can the Cavs", "B-H-S,

I Love It", and many more. Maroon and gold streamers were wrapped around the handrails and the doors

leading into the gym. We were now ready for game time.

Shortly after we finished decorating, we warmed up and got into our cheer lines. From there on out,

I was in control. Everything had to be perfect; I needed to show my coach that I could pull off a huge event,

such as this one, and show my fellow classmates, family, faculty and staff that I had one of the best squads

known to man. We ran through everything three times, just to make sure we all had it down pat. I was

beginning to get nervous. I've never been under so much pressure before in my life. My entire cheerleading

career came down to this one half-time performance.

We cheered our hearts