The Barstow Knights cheer team has undergone a month full of team-building, intense training, and, obviously, learning routines. The team will perform at all the home basketball games and pep assemblies this season.
While there are many things to look forward to, cheerleader Simone Huston (‘24) highlights her favorites: “I’m most looking forward to cheering at basketball games this season. We also got someone to come to our practice and teach us some stunts, which was super fun. I really enjoy every practice, as they are really chill and it is fun to learn all the cheers.”
The cheer season began at the beginning of November, with practices every Tuesday and Thursday from 3:45-5:15. Huston explains, “While we do have a coach, it is mostly student-run and our cheer veterans help out a lot.”
During the practices, the team spends some time discussing technical things, stretching out and warming up, and then moves to focus on the cheers, the fight song, and some stunts. All of these combined make for the most entertaining and enjoyable routines, which they are ready to impress the school with this year.
While many teams at Barstow this year are smaller than the previous season, the cheer team actually grew. There are currently 13 members, compared to 11 last season. This season’s members consist of Anna Shapoval ‘23, Hayley Greenwood ‘24, Simone Huston ‘24, Isabell Kuti ‘24, Mylie Cadwalader ‘25, Moira Fink ‘25, Lauren Rothaas ‘25, Alina Stribling ‘25, Isabella Welty ‘25, Camille Zenk ‘25, Macy Lawlor ‘26, Alyssa Ledezma ‘26, and Story Wright ‘26. Their new head coach is Melanie Stelting, and the team’s captain is Anna Shapoval ‘23 and the co-captain is Mylie Cadwalader ‘25.
In addition to the countless hours of preparation, the team has also spent time getting to know each other and building traditions. They all attended a team dinner with their coach and with Mr. Don Stelting on November 29, where they got to know each other much better and figure out the dynamics of the team. This season, they also plan to celebrate the holidays with a Secret Santa activity soon.
“Next year we are looking for a possible cheer competition but as of now we will perform at pep assemblies and basketball games,” Huston ‘24 explains. This gives the team more time to learn each other’s strengths and build on them, which will result in even more powerful and exciting routines.
While students are encouraged to go to games to support the basketball teams, they should also go to support the cheer team. The cheerleaders have put great time and effort into this season, so they should be met with support and encouragement from spectators. Make sure to go out and support the cheer team for the rest of their season and at the pep assemblies!
Barstow Cheer Team Kicks Off Season
