What a Year for Cheer

By Mimi Griesser | Staff Writer

November 11, 2024

The women’s cheer team started by winning two different categories in their first competition. On October 12, the Lady Raptors placed first in both game day and traditional routines at the OHSAA Cheer Invitational. 

The team has many participants this year, with twelve seniors and two captains. 

Due to mass participation, the team needs to have good communication and leadership 

“I show leadership to the cheer team by encouraging my teammates and making them feel seen,” Kate Nobles (12) said. 

The 12 seniors leaving after this season put the Lady Raptors in need of new captains to fill spots and proceed to cheer loudly for AHS sports teams. 

“I am going to miss being around everyone the most, multiple times a week, and cheering with them in general at every practice and Friday night,” Lila Richey (12) said. 

The seniors will be greatly missed by their teammates and their impact on the cheer program will be remembered. 

As their competition season picks up and the football team enters the tournament, in anticipation of a long run, there are still heavy expectations for these Lady Raptors. 

“Going forward, our cheer team hopes to achieve making it to state in football and winning nationals,” Olivia Stover (12) said. 

On Game day, some of the cheerleaders even have pre-game rituals before Friday night football and competitions to prepare. 

Richey says her game day ritual is “listening to music by [herself] with [her] AirPods.”

Many of the cheerleaders graduating have been a part of the squad for years and have valuable advice for the underclassmen as they leave the Anderson Cheerleading program. 

“Make the best of your time when you're a part of the team and give it your all,” Stover said. 

The seniors encourage the younger cheer members to enjoy every moment they have on the team. 

Keep supporting Anderson High School Cheerleading as they continue to wave their pom-poms high and cheer loud throughout the football tournament.