Winter cheerleaders at CHS have been working since late November on their routines and cheers. Their hard work has paid off: the varsity team will be heading to the state competition on Jan 20.

The sport often does not receive the recognition it deserves. Behind the performances and interactive cheers is dedication and hard work.

Sophomore varsity cheerleader Mikayla Bretz said, “We have hours of practice and put in a lot of work just the same as all other sports.”

Outside of cheerleading, the girls are important parts of the school atmosphere.

Varsity coach Julie Gelbaugh said that they are “good leaders in school and show respect to their classmates and peers.” Their positive attitudes contributes to overall school spirit and the atmosphere of basketball games.

Competitive cheerleading has recently made its way into international news. In December of 2016, cheerleading obtained provisional recognition. This is the first step to becoming an Olympic sport.

Gelbaugh commented that “the competitive part of cheerleading is becoming bigger and bigger, so the world is recognizing that.”

The reactions from the public about this decision have been both negative and positive. Sophomore varisty cheerleader Genia Purdy said that those “who disapprove of the decision do not know of the competitive side of cheerleading.”

In an interview conducted by associated press of USA Today, IOC Sports Director Kit McConnell said cheerleading has 4.5 million registered competitors.

Catch the CHS Varsity and JV cheerleading squads at upcoming Carlisle wrestling matches and basketball games.