All Linsly students, parents, and faculty know that the cheerleaders are the pride and spirit of the school. Whether decorating the campus in orange and black, showing school spirit at football and basketball games, or preparing treat bags and locker signs for players, the cheerleaders never fail to represent and encourage Linsly’s community. As the cheerleaders never fail to support Linsly’s community, the favor is usually returned at the annual OVAC Cheerleading Competition, the squad’s one an only chance to present their talent, hard work, and strength of the season. Linsly won this competition in both 2019 and 2020.
This year, the OVAC Cheerleading Competition was cancelled due to lack of interest among other teams surrounding the pandemic’s challenges, and this news was very heart wrenching to the 2021 squad of six seniors and six underclassmen. Beforehand, the event had been postponed from its original date the first week of February to March 27. The girls had been working on and perfecting their three minute routine for months prior to finding out the news of its cancellation, so it was very clear to each member that something needed to be planned in order for the team to perform regardless.
Linsly’s normal competition cheerleading season lasts from around tryout time in November up to the competition in February. This year, the girls began their season regularly with tryouts; however with the rising Covid-19 cases and Linsly’s temporary transfer to online learning, the cheerleaders were forced to pause practices. Despite these challenges, the squad was able to prepare their routine in just over a month, featuring an opening jam-packed with tumbling, a cheer that proves to the audience that Linsly cheerleaders are the best around, and an energetic dance including music from High School Musical.
The team continued to practice every day after school, despite not having a trophy to work towards. After much preparation and efforts from both the team and Coach Keyser, the 2021 squad was able to host Linsly’s first ever OVAC Cheerleading Showcase on March 27. Slideshow videos were shown at the beginning of the evening that highlighted some of the girls’ favorite memories from over the years. Next, each girl was individually introduced and a few seniors took the microphone to say their final words as Linsly cheerleaders. The team took the floor dressed in their beloved white uniforms and preformed their stellar, top-notch routine. Finally, special awards were given to each girl. Pictures were taken and hugs were exchanged afterwards.
Although performing at the Showcase and not the OVAC Competition was not ideal, each cheerleader proved to be resilient in her setbacks as always. Seniors Emily Coram, Madison Doughty, Mariah Doughty, Sydney Glessner, Tayler Reed, and Carly Stewart were looking forward to claiming a “3-peat” win, but the girls’ dedication and perseverance in their sport did not go unnoticed.
