Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024, was the first home football game for Whitworth and the first game for the Whitworth cheer squad. From stunts to cheers, they create an exciting atmosphere for the crowd and players. The cheerleaders have been working hard for the past few weeks at practice to nail down the fundamentals for a clean and spirited performance.
Cheer captain Camille Tremblay describes her teammates as “all willing and capable athletes.” Tremblay states that “they’re just kids who want to show up and be there and have fun and aren’t afraid to try new skills.” She emphasizes the ambitious attitude and passion of her new teammates. Tremblay describes the team as a “blessing.” The squad plans on continuing to showcase their collectiveness on the sidelines of this year’s football and basketball games. “Our thing this year is morale,” Tremblay concludes.
Whitworth Cheer plays its part in supporting athletics, so how are students able to support them? The team is primarily funded through donors. The team has done several car wash fundraising events between last spring and this fall to bring in money for the season. On Nov. 1, the annual Whitworth Cheer Fall Kids Camp will take place. Children in kindergarten through sixth grade are welcome, and the cost is $45 per participant. Participants will learn a variety of stunts, cheers and dances.
Tremblay shares, “It’s fun for us. We get to meet a lot of little kids and hopefully spark the next generation of cheerleaders.” The campers will be performing during halftime of the Nov. 2 football game. Whitworth Cheer Program Director Haley Elkin adds, “Families get free admission to the game. So, it’s good to pack the Pine Bowl, get more people here, and see kind of what Whitworth Football does and the environment.”
If you can’t make this one, don’t worry! The team plans to put on a second camp this winter. Elkin also shared that she is finalizing the details for yet another fundraising event: a high school stunt and dance clinic. “We’ll have different high schoolers from around the area come in. We’ll teach them more about collegiate cheerleading, collegiate-style stunting and sideline cheering. And then teach them some dances,” Elkin states.
Elkin says, “We’re excited that our coaching staff has grown. We’re excited that our team has grown, and hopefully looking forward to more people getting out to games to support and just build up the game day environment.” The squad hopes to continue to put a large effort into their community inclusion and participation in the 2024-25 season.
