By Clark Campbell

Everyone loves watching and playing sports, but with fan restrictions, sometimes the stands can be quiet. Not when our Temp Prep cheer squad is there!  TPA got a cheer team three years ago, but the team has changed in many ways, all for the better. This year the team is even bigger than the already large team last year. Last year, the cheer team had around 20 girls, and this year the team has built in size to a count of about 25.

The team also has a new head coach this year. Well, not exactly new. Coach Alexandra Haas has been the assistant cheer coach the past couple of years, and now has decided to step up to the head coach position. Coach Haas has been part of cheer squads and dance teams for as long as she can remember, and just recently took up coaching.

The past head coach, Vanessa Rodriguez, has stepped down to assistant coach this year due to a busier schedule. Coach Haas says that, “A lot of people don’t know that Vanessa and I have been friends for 15 years, so our vision is really aligned.” Both coaches have a similar background, and similar goals for the team. One of the only differences this year in cheer is that the team can no longer do stunts because of social-distancing requirements, so coach Haas has implemented more solo cheers for the girls to add some more diversity. So, although the coaching staff may have changed, the cheer squad will be its usual positive self.

This year some of the returning seniors will have been a part of the team for all three years! Hayden Wisneski, a senior veteran and leader of the team, states that, “As a member of the TPA Cheer team since its inception, I am so glad to see the team continuing to grow!” She continues, “I’m so proud of all the hard work these ladies have put in during such an odd time. Thank you to coach Alex, and Coach Vanessa who take so much of their own time to make sure we have a fun and safe season! I am going to miss this program so much when I graduate.” Hayden really hopes for this year to be one to remember even if some things are different, and unusual.

Unfortunately, this year with such an unpredictable season, the team has not been able to elect team captains, as in years past, so this year, many of the girls have had to step up to take those positions of leadership. One good thing though about this year, is that since all the girls already have to stand arms (and legs) length apart, for cheering and kicking, they don’t have to wear masks as they cheer, which lets the girls be able to be more vocal.

So, be sure this year to come cheer with the cheerleaders as they encourage our sports teams to become champions.