Despite what some may say, cheerleading is not just dancing and waving pom poms around. For the South Windsor High School Cheerleaders, an immense amount of work goes into perfecting an audience approved routine. The Lady Bobcats spend hours conditioning, memorizing, and perfecting routines weekly, all in preparation for the product showcased on the field/court sidelines and competitions. Here is a glimpse of what each individual day of their life resembles.
Every Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday at 4:30 sharp, the girls begin their practices. Prior to start time, the cheerleaders must ensure their nails are short, hair is pulled back, and all jewelry is off. In addition to physical requirements, the cheerleaders must approach each practice with a game day mentality.
After Varsity Coaches, Athena Savvides and Caitlin Cochran, arrive, the team rolls out 7 cheer mats, weighing approximately 135lbs each, which they will utilize for the remainder of practice. Lining up in organized rows, the cheerleaders stretch, and partake in routine tumbling drills, handstand-pops, cartwheels, and round-off back handsprings.
Then for a “wake up” exercise, the team gathers in a large circle and does 25 jumping jacks for a quick burst of cardio, then continues to prep the rest of their muscles for movement.
After Savvides and Cochran detail the agenda, Captains Emma Boldi and Sahara Martin, lead the group through cheers. Observing every individual’s arm positioning, sharpness, and timing, ensuring all movements are precisely synced.
“It’s important to be in sync with each other because it makes the team look classy and very professional,” sophomore Vanessa Ross told The Prowl.
After perfecting each cheer routine, the cheerleaders break off into 5 groups of 4. Each group contains; 2 bases who are responsible for holding the flyers’ feet, and are directly under the stunt, a flyer who will be performing stunts, and a backspot responsible for gripping the flyers ankles.
The bases and backspot, use all their strength, push through their legs and arms, and drive the flyer all the way up to above the base’s heads. For many, this is the most exhilarating part of practice.
“My favorite part is stunting because I love watching all the stunt groups hit the different skills they are working on,” Boldi said.
After hitting all stunts consistently, they move onto jumps, lining up in windows and completing their coaches’ requested jumps.
They stretch and prepare, then the team counts; 5- 6- 7- 8-, the team clasps their hands on 1-, shoots their arms up on 2-, swings their arms down for 3-, and extends their legs, hit their arm motion, and does a jump on 4-.
The cheerleaders execute various jumps like toe-touches, pikes, and hurdlers, all of which the coaches provide constructive feedback on, changing minor details that make a big difference in team cohesiveness.
To wrap up practice, the team rolls up their mats, gathers their belongings and makes their way to the track. They set their things down and begin lap 1 out 2+ laps. staying together, talking, and encouraging one another throughout the duration of the run.
After finishing their run, the team gathers to have an end of practice recap and talk about what to prepare for for the next practice or game. They all reach their left hand in (because it’s closer to your heart), and break on “bobcats”.
The Lady Bobcats work tirelessly year round to prepare the routines so the fans and athletes enjoy each game. Their goal is to encourage bobcat spirit, in a professional and detail oriented manner.
