Sophie Hobbs, senior, has been a part of the cheer team for 4 years, and helped the incoming freshman and returning cheerleaders prepare for tryouts from Monday, March 30 through Thursday, April 2.
“We can give them feedback and they will take it, and it is not just from a coach, it’s from someone who was on the team, and someone they can relate to,” Hobbs said.
Hobbs said that the longer they are a part of the program, the more comfortable it can get and there is more growth among the cheerleaders.
“It’s a way to connect with the school, but also we are always together and we grow a close bond,” Hobbs said.
Aubrey Hart, freshman, received the material along with the other cheerleaders for tryouts on Friday, March 27.
Hart said the seniors coached younger cheerleaders by giving them tips with motion and excitement, helping the girls improve their dancing techniques and bringing more personality into their movements.
“They are really nice, and help with corrections with good tips,” Hart said.
Elizabeth Basta, head coach, runs the program for both j.v. and varsity cheer. During tryout season, Basta said she prepares paperwork, and student eligibility.
Whenever Basta and the other coaches pick the team members, they have usual requirements that they judge by.
Basta said that the coaches evaluate coachability, attitude and if they can work with other people they don’t know,
“When you’re explaining something to an athlete, you want them to be able to take a moment, retain the knowledge, and then apply the skill to what is being taught,” Basta said.
This year the varsity team this year has four seniors, six juniors, and three sophomores. The j.v. team consists of 13 freshmen.
“We are a little smaller this year, but that’s ok, I always say smaller numbers are good numbers,” Basta said.
Basta said it’s always sad to see the seniors leave because they are very helpful toward the team such as helping with tryouts and being a leader towards the new students, and they have made a lasting impact on MHS cheer.
“They are typically our leaders, our captains, like they are very involved and set the tone for the expectations,” Basta said. “They have had a good four years and now they are going to start a whole new chapter, it’s their own little legacy.”
