Friday nights in Owatonna High School would not feel the same without its cheerleaders. They do way more than perform cheers, they help create the excitement and school spirit that make each game special. By leading chants, pumping up the student section and showing unwavering support for the team, they motivate the players and bring the whole community together.
The football team has come off two straight wins, and as everyone knows, it is a lot of fun to be in the student section or up in the stands when there is something to cheer about, especially when someone crosses into the end zone. Senior Mia Armstrong, the OHS Cheerleading Captain, agrees, sharing, “My favorite part of cheer is the games when the crowd is involved.”
The Owatonna Girls Cheer squad truly shines during high-energy moments. When their voices and enthusiasm get the crowd on their feet, it creates an electric atmosphere in the stands. Their energy doesn’t stay on the sidelines, it spreads throughout the stadium especially when they are doing school spirit cheers that everyone knows. It inspires fans, students and players, and helps to make Friday night lights a cherished tradition in Owatonna. Senior Georgia Schrom stated, “When the fans are really into the cheerleaders, it makes the crowd more lively and the cheerleaders more energetic. It truly shows school spirit and makes the atmosphere more fun.”
Many people have a reason to cheer, whether it’s to improve goals or share exciting moments as a squad, Armstrong said, “I started cheer in elementary school, which led to my interest in sideline cheer in high school.” For her and her teammates, cheerleading is not just about routines and cheers. It is about building school spirit, connecting with the community, and being a part of something bigger than themselves.
Everyone has something that makes them have a lot of energy, whether they are playing or watching sports events. Senior student section leader Wyatt Macy said this about the cheerleaders and their impact on the game’s energy. “They make the atmosphere better and get the student section going and that fires us up”.
The cheerleaders have practices Monday through Thursday after school, with games on Fridays, so with all their practice, they put in a lot of time to perfect for Friday nights. Senior Captain Brooke Hagel has this to say about their practices, “During practices we work really hard to get new stunts and it is exciting to perform our new skills at games for our fans to see”.
Every sport has unnoticed work that athletes put in, this is what Varsity Assistant Coach Chelsea Wendel said about grit, “Being a cheerleader is putting in the hard work it takes to be a cheerleader and never giving up. Giving 100 percent at practices and games and they never stop smiling through it all.”
The Huskies cheerleading squad will be bringing the energy and school spirit to the stands Friday, October 3rd at 7:00 p.m. away at Northfield High School.
