As all the cheerleaders from all around the country gather around one another, teams hope to themselves that they won the National Championship. The announcer tones in, and begins to say, “and the nationals championship award goes to..” The cheerleaders wait for their name to be called. Anxious as can be, then after what felt like eons of a pause, out shouts the announcer, “GlenOak High School!”
The cheerleaders, many brought to tears, accept their award, which was the second time in three years that they won a national championship.
The National Championship is a big deal for all cheerleaders, but especially for the students here at GlenOak. With seven returning cheerleaders from last year’s team, the coach, Alyssa West, attributes the victory to strong dedication, striving to win, and beginning to practice early in September.
“We have a choreography week in July dedicated to just learning the routine and then begin regular practices twice a week until nationals in January,” West said.
Before they started practicing, all cheerleaders had to attend a NCA (National Cheerleaders Association) summer camp, in order to even qualify to get into the National training.
“We have to attend a NCA summer camp, and get a bid to regionals,” West said. “Then compete and qualify at a regional competition.”
That doesn’t mean all the time was spent practicing for the nationals. The team was also really busy cheering at multiple football and basketball games.
“We were really busy, but that’s all a part of being a cheerleader,” senior Delia Palomba said.
Due to all the practicing, a decent number of the cheerleaders at GlenOak strived to succeed and secure the victory for themselves but also for the school, for the second time in a row.
“I think we only won because everyone else wanted to win as much as I did,” Palomba said. “I think that helped most of us achieve the goal we wanted.”
Going to the National Championship feels necessary for the GlenOak team, according to coach West as it gives them the opportunity to travel outside of Ohio, and explore Dallas, Texas as well to socialize with other cheerleaders from around the United States. It also gave them more experience when competing outside of the school gymnasium.
Due to determination, teamwork, and relying on others, the cheerleaders secured another victory for the second year in a row. Who knows, maybe there will be a third time next year.
