Months of preparation have led to this pivotal moment, as the Scouts Cheer Team will compete at Sectionals this weekend in hopes of advancing to State.
Sectionals mark a huge shift in the cheer season, where precision, execution, and “hitting zero” (executing the routine with zero deductions, dropped stunts, falls, or timing errors) can make all the difference.
The preparation for the team has been months in the making, beginning back in the summer when they learned their competition routine. The three-minute routine was built through 18 hours of choreography condensed into just two days of practice.
After spending the fall cheering for the Scouts football team, the squad shifted its focus back to its competition season. With that, two athletes were added to the competition roster.
In early November, the team’s choreographer returned for a 10-hour practice dedicated to filling in gaps, sharpening transitions, and producing the final version of their routine.
With months of hard work behind them and competed in seven competitions, the Scouts have elevated their practice intensity heading into Sectionals.
“We have been focusing on our stamina by doing more full outs. We are normally used to doing two full outs and then a partial, and now we are really trying to do three,” senior captain Reese Kelly said.
Considering the strength and stamina that go into the sport, mindset is an equal factor in competition.
“Confidence in performance and showmanship is critical at this point too,” Head Coach Debbie Vargas said. “The mental element of preparation this week is just as important, if not more than, the physical preparation.”
As the team heads into Sectionals this weekend, there will be 15 teams fighting for a top-five spot to advance to State. Every detail- from timing, transitions, and attitude will be put to the test. In the midst of a stressful week, the Scouts find ways to elevate the anticipation during practices and before competing.
“During the week, we have had themed practices which have been pretty fun and entertaining,” senior captain Ava Pasquesi said. “In our warmup for competitions, we have a team song that we dance to, to shake out some nerves, we do a team prayer, and a bunch of motivational things to get everyone ready and hype.”
With all of the months of hard work and dedication, the Scouts look to prove themselves this weekend at Buffalo Grove, and Coach Vargas couldn’t agree more.
“They couldn’t be more prepared for this week, and as coaches, we just want to see them go out there and light up the floor and have the best time doing it. The coaches are so proud of this team and what they’ve accomplished this year.”
