“Jump up, sky high! Tip it to the Herd guy!”

If you’ve heard this before, then you’ve seen the Carlisle High School fall and winter cheer program. These athletes are there to help cheer on our sports teams and hype up the Herd fans.

Fall season includes football games. The cheerleaders attend both home and away games for the varsity football team. Winter season includes varsity boys basketball games and their own cheer competitions; they may also cheer at wrestling matches and girls basketball games when time allows.

Senior varsity cheerleader Katie Anderson  described competition as “high energy, high difficulty stunts with adrenaline pumping through your veins, but it is so much fun and challenges the team in a good way.”

These athletes are very dedicated to their sport. They not only have to focus on the material for basketball games, but they also have to find time to practice their competition routine.

Despite the extensive practice schedule, senior varsity cheerleader Josie Carlton said,” I enjoy winter season a lot more because you are able to cheer right next to the players on the court and that is really fun! Also, the cheerleaders get a lot closer as a ‘family’ during the season. Basketball season is also more fun because we get to cheer in the gym which allows the fans to come together. It is very hype and I look forward to all of the games.”

Anderson disagreed. “Both seasons are equally as exciting but I prefer fall/football season because I like the environment we are exposed to.”

With all of the time spent with each other doing something they all love, they form strong bonds with each other. The girls create a high energy, exciting environment to be around.

Sophomore Cassie Sanders explained the tryout process.

“For football season, you try out at the end of the school year then practice over summer. Also, over summer we attend a weeklong camp. The coaches have professional cheerleaders and coaches come in to teach us new skills and help our motions.”

Cheer gives these athletes a positive place to focus their energy in helping other athletes succeed. It is an experience that the participants will remember for years to come.