Isaac James, Staff Writer for The Powderhorn

Since most people think of cheer when it comes to gameday performances, the pacers are an often-overlooked part of Watauga sports. Contributing right alongside cheer, the pacers have been supporting our athletic teams in their endeavours and successes. The pacers contribute a distinct and valuable piece to every game they perform at, and understanding that community and what they do is important. 

“The Pacers are Watauga’s dance team, but we’re more than just a halftime group,” said senior Montana Rattler. “We help represent school spirit at athletic events and keep the crowd involved and excited.” 

Although they share many of the same gameday duties, cheer and pacers are distinctly important in their own ways at each game. While cheerleaders focus on stunts and are more aimed at the crowd directly, pacers focus primarily on the artistic and technical side of performance. 

“It takes a lot of practice, teamwork, and endurance,” said Rattler. “Especially performing in cold weather or late games. It’s kind of a mix between a sport and a performance.” 

One of the biggest parts of the pacers is their participation in the football halftime performances. These performances help keep the energy of both the crowd and the team up throughout the game. 

“Football season is the biggest because of halftime and the atmosphere,” said Rattler. “[This season,] was really exciting. The stadium energy is completely different when the team is winning, and you can feel the crowd reacting while you perform.” 

One of the things that connects cheer and pacers, though, is the essential theme of team spirit and togetherness. 

“My favorite part is the team,” said Rattler. “You spend so much time practicing together that everyone becomes really close, and performing together after working hard on a routine is a really rewarding feeling.”