For weeks, 41 cheerleaders waited anxiously on their phones, ready for the notification: Who would be the new coach? Throughout years of success, the cheer program has earned an extensive record of top state and national finishes year in and year out, which made the decision difficult. However, after a prolonged period of uncertainty, the wait was over. The team had found its next cheer coach, Trina King.

Before practices even started, many members of the team were excited to have a new coach lead them for the upcoming year. Some students, such as senior Jordyn Storti, had already become familiar with her from previous competitions. 

“I love her because I had her for my competition team before,” Storti said. “I think she does a great job incorporating everyone and making sure everyone feels included in stunts and dances.”

However, before the announcement of who was going to coach them, many were distressed. From news of a second tryout to word that the old coach Sarah Graham had left after only one year, things had fallen into disarray as summer practices approached. For most involved, there was no answer amidst all the chaos and uncertainty, but they did know why it had all started.

Once the first tryout was completed, and after the results were posted, many felt as though there was something wrong with how the cheer team was being managed. Specifically, there were concerns that the results were biased, and did not reflect the cheerleader’s performances.

“There was a step in the procedures set forth by the district that we did not follow. So in order to make it correct, we went ahead and tried everybody out a second time,” athletics director Jay Getty said. 

Many students were upset by having to try out again, as their spots were not guaranteed. 

“I was definitely stressed out,” Storti said. “After the first tryout, I was like, ‘Thank God that it’s over,’ but then there was drama starting again.”

 To make all the cheerleaders march out and pour their hearts out on the mats for a second time was not an easy choice, but Getty determined that it was necessary. 

“It was done in an effort for fairness to [the cheerleaders],” Getty said.

Between organizing a second tryout, finding a new coach, and having to deal with all the changes, things were looking uncertain for the program as a whole. But with the announcement of King as the new coach, things were beginning to get better.

All that was left to do was begin practice. With a new coach coming in to lead a team that had ballooned to 41 kids, twice their usual size, some challenges arose.

“I feel like it made it more difficult to incorporate everyone in dances,” Storti said. “In the end, everyone gets to be included.”

With things just getting started, the team is looking forward to competing in nationals and hopeful for a high finish. 

“We’ve got a group of kids that are super talented and super excited to be out there, and things are running smoothly.” Getty said.