By Matt Browning
With Clifton-Clyde being such a small school, cheerleading coach Stephanie Lawson never quite knows what the size of her team is going to be.
“In a small school of less than 100 total, sometimes we have 12 to 15 tryout and other times we may only have five or six,” Lawson said. “When there are just a few I will at times not do tryouts and just take them all and sometimes still do tryouts to give them the experience.”
Even with the uncertainty of her roster size, the Eagles have a busy season year-round.
“There is never a typical season,” Lawson said. “We practice all year around with practices at the minimum twice a week. More is preparing for performance. Also always have a two-day camp every summer.”
When the Clifton-Clyde cheerleading squad is at their best, it starts a domino effect throughout the entire stadium or gymnasium.
“An effective cheer team engages the fans and student section to show support for the players,” Lawson said. “The players get amped up when they hear and feel the excitement from the crowd engaged in school spirit and use that as momentum to do their best.”
There are just two seniors on this year’s roster for the Eagles.
“Our seniors this year are Polly Damman and Emily,” Lawson said. “They have both cheered for me for 4 years and are the current captains of the squad. They do well leading and teaching the new cheer leaders with help from the other cheerleaders that have returned.”
