There are some new faces on this year’s SGHS cheerleading squad, as the squad lost seven letter-winners from 2019-20. But ten members return, and head coach Shelly Dallas hopes the experience will be beneficial this year. The team has been working hard and has already made an impression on the head coach.
“This is the best stunting team we have ever had, so we are expecting our team to improve in stunts and try things we have never been able to do before,” Dallas stated. “We will be working on toe touches a lot this season as well.”
The team will turn to those individuals that have invested a lot of time on the field and on the court. “All of my upperclassmen have been on the squad since they were freshmen except for three,” Coach Dallas explained. “This includes one sophomore, Kyleigh Pryzgoda, and five juniors, Molly Bell, Haley DiMercurio, Gracie Heob, Isabella Neel, and Chloe Walker. I think everyone will look up to the seniors, Emma Johns, Hunter Nelms, Tristan Orine, and Soraya Zerwig as leaders. Tristan and
Soraya are the Team Leaders this year.”
The team has been training this summer with the help of some collegiate cheerleaders. “We are really proud of the entire team that worked so hard for three days during our cheer camp with the SEMO Cheerleaders,” Dallas commented. “The two new freshmen, Elaina Schemel and Sophia DeRousse did a great job coming in new to the team and not knowing what to expect. The upperclassmen did a great job of adapting to changing flyers and bases in stunts to improve our team! We are so excited about the upcoming season!”
Dallas said there are a few highlights the team is looking forward to. “Homecoming is always the highlight of the season. We learned a dance and stunting routine from the SEMO Cheerleaders led by Billy Hoskins. We are excited about showing what we can do and hoping for a great football season.”
