By, Anna Hirschinger

The RAHS Cheer Team is spreading spirit on the sidelines of football games this fall and will be doing so in the gym this winter at basketball games after a decade-long hiatus. 

Much credit goes to coach Mackenzie Kaney whose passion for cheer comes from a belief that it promotes positivity well beyond the sidelines. It was this passion which drove her to resurrect the cheer program at RAHS.

“In cheerleading not only do we aim to support our fellow student athletes on the sidelines, but we strive to be good community leaders in all aspects of our lives,” said Kaney. “Cheer is about how we present ourselves to our school and community to better those around us.”

Kaney’s cheerleaders agree with her belief that cheer is more than what goes on during games.

“Cheer has given me friends, a fun activity to do, a place to perform, and the ability to get stronger and better for everyday things,” said Maddie Hooker ‘29.

Kaney felt passionate about re-igniting the cheer program, which had fallen off in recent years. A positive, encouraging meeting with RAHS Activities Director Aaron May set in motion her idea to bring the program back.

“Cheer was an easy addition to our offerings as it typically serves a different student population than the dance team and it offers students that want to be part of the game day experience and opportunity to do so,” said May. “I've had a cheer team at my previous school and it was a huge benefit to the student section and game day atmosphere and I'm excited to see where the cheer team in Reedsburg goes.

Three sisters, Hannah Gootee ‘26, Madelyn Gootee ‘29 and Claudia Gootee ‘29, are all on the cheer team and were thrilled it was making a comeback.

“I joined the cheer team because I always thought it would be fun to do an athletic sport like cheerleading,” said Hannah, who is a senior captain. She noted she is “so glad” to be part of the team with her siblings.

One notable season highlight was a camp at Chula Vista Resort where the team learned various stunts, cheers, and other important skills. Combined with some waterpark fun, the experience helped with team bonding.  

“When you join cheer, you all kind of just become family and you feel like you have known them a long time,“ said Lyla Bingham ‘28. “You all get super close.”

Kaney said the best way to support the cheer team is by joining them. If cheer isn't your thing then she said you can still be loud and be proud at every event. 

“We love our student section and can't wait to have even more fun cheers and chants to do together,” said Kaney. “The cheer team will be at boys and girls varsity basketball games in the winter. We also hope to attend other events and activities to show our support for our entire community.”

Each cheerleader has shown so much gratitude for the support they have been given as they’ve brought the team back into the RAHS community. 

“I think I can speak for my team and coaches when I say this that coming from a team that has never cheered in their life and a school that has not had a cheer team in over 10 years I am very proud of my team in how far we have gone and how the school has supported us,” said Hannah Gootee.