"I love football. I love catching and throwing, but I also love being part of a team," said fifth grader Shane Thompson.

This season, the football players worked very hard both in practice and on the field. Kamdyn Schrader stated that one of his weaknesses is running. He is working to improve his weakness by running in his free time to become an even better athlete. He also recognizes that one of his strengths is his muscular ability. One way he prepares for the football season is by playing catch with his brother in the off-season. Schrader said that he chose to play football over another sport. Between the sport and having a team behind him, this makes football his favorite sport.

"No matter how much I wanted to give up and how hard the work was, I kept pushing through not just for me, but my team, too," said William Brown.

Many coaches will agree that what sets apart the good and the great players are the ones who don't give up and try to better themselves. Not only have the players put in a lot of time and work into this football season, but so have the Sayre coaches. 

Fifth grader William Brown also appreciates being part of a team. "It's nice to have teammates and coaches who inspire you and cheer you on," said William Brown.

  Overall, the players of Sayre Junior Redskins football team are proud of themselves as the season comes to a close. From talking with many of our athletes, the football season ending is bittersweet. Many said they were sad the season was over, but also happy to have some down-time and time to participate in other sports. 

"Even though it was my first year, if I did something wrong, no-one got mad. I learned from my mistakes and pushed myself to get better. I can't wait to play again next year," said Duncan Mumo.

This year the Sayre Cheerleaders have had fun, but have also worked really hard. Third grader Kaydence Swain said, “I started cheering because it looked fun and everyone else was doing it.” 

Each year the squads practice cheers old and new. Many of the cheerleaders, when asked, said that cheering is something fun they like to participate in. But cheering is more than just cheers and fun. Each squad learns different moves like kick-overs, back tucks and other gymnastic-type moves to add more to routines. 

Some join cheer to make friends and have fun, but others have family that introduced them to cheer. Fifth grader Katelyn Rounsville said, “I joined cheer because my older sister did it.” Katelyn also has a younger sister, Becca Rounsville, in cheer, too. 

Cheer starts out in August with practices and then cheering at football games. When October hits, cheerleaders start practicing more during the week of competition. The cheer competition is held in November with many different cheerleading squads in the area competing against each other. At the competition, squads compete with both a cheer and a dance routine in front of judges. Last year, every one of Sayre’s squads placed and received trophies. 

"I like showing people our dances and watching others' routines. I like winning, too. It takes months of practices," said Aleah Vohoris.