By WESLEY CAMPBELL
Staff Writer

For the past few years that I’ve been here, and I’m sure even longer than that, the cheerleaders have been ridiculed by many. There have been articles written, sound offs submitted and simply verbal expression about how badly the cheerleading team “sucks.”
I will admit, I myself have sat and watched at basketball games with a critical eye, and thought of all the things that could be better. So I understand that criticism is natural. Since basketball season is starting up and we will soon be on the court cheering on our teams, I thought that this would be the perfect time to write this article.
I considered being a part of the cheerleading squad a few times. I went back and forth about the idea for a long time my sophomore year.
I thought that I should try out for the team because it’s something that I love to do, but then I thought maybe not because I didn’t want to deal with all the negative critics and hatred that comes with being a cheerleader here.
I decided to try out anyway, and it was one of the best decisions I’ve made since coming here. I am so proud of my squad. I have watched each and every one of them, including myself, grow so much over the past few months.
We have survived tryouts, boot camp, many long practices and four day workouts. We have learned lots of stunts and routines and also a lot about each other in this experience. We have had our differences as every team does, but we were able to get through them all. We have adjusted to many changes already during this season, but we were able to rise above them all.
We have grown into our family away from home. When we talk about this upcoming season we are excited but also nervous. Many of us are nervous about what others are going to say, and how judgmental spectators are going to be. These are legitimate concerns especially because it’s a new experience for most of you, but realize that we’ve worked extremely hard for this season. Whether we hit every stunt all season or drop a few, there will still be some negative criticism from people. Cheerleaders are automatically on people’s hate lists for whatever reason.
Focus more on our goal of continuous growth, and we’ll have a great season.