photo by Reina Makimura
Cheerleading tryouts at Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School for the 2018-2019 season began on Tuesday, May 29 and concluded on Friday, June 1. The tryouts were monitored by coaches Victoria Vanoni and Ann Barcellona and assisted by the four varsity captains, seniors Elizabeth DePaola, Paige McMorrow, Shakir Philippe and Ally Vuono from the 2017-2018 season.
On Tuesday, students learned a dance routine that they were to perform later in the week and they also made a portion of the routine themselves. This showed to the coaches how the students picked up choreography and rhythm in dance.
On Wednesday, the students learned a cheer created by the previous captains. The purpose of this was to assess the motions, voice projection, sharpness and jumps of the cheerleaders.
On Thursday, the students had the chance to learn and participate in stunting- specifically the “prep” or “half extension” stunt. Each stunt involved four people (a flyer, two bases and a back spot). This day was mainly to learn skills in stunting, technique, and safety.
Finally, on Friday, the students performed in groups of two to four in front of a panel of three judges. On this day, the girls were able to show off what they had learned over the course of the week. The students displayed the following skills learned: stunting, dancing, cheering, jumping and tumbling.
Over the weekend, students received an email notifying them if they made the 2018-2019 cheerleading teams.
“I hope the team continues to work hard, try new skills and always be positive,” Vanoni said. “I hope to have a fantastic season and know that with hard work and dedication, we will keep making strides.”
Both the junior varsity and varsity cheerleading teams will begin practicing for the upcoming season in late August. During these summer practices, the teams will work in the weight room in addition to preparation of cheers, stunts and dances for the school year.
“I am excited for the upcoming season to make memories and have one of the best seasons yet,” sophomore Olivia Hobbs said.
The 2018-2019 cheerleading teams expect to have a great and successful season.
