By Annie Goodykoontz

   Manny Ortiz, Tempe Prep senior, made history as the first male cheerleader this past football season. 

   “I hope it brings more diversity within the TPA community,” he says, “I wanted to do something out of the ordinary and break gender norms.” 

   It was a challenge Manny knew was important. Manny has a disability called dystonia, a neurological disorder. He says, “Being able to do a sport for the first time was such a privilege to myself and my body, not knowing I’m 100% capable, even having the disability I have.” Manny says that many people do not know about his disability and he wants to bring awareness to it. 

   Manny talked about the unexpected lessons he learned from this season. “One surprise was keeping communication with my team members during the games,” Manny says. “You have to think fast and make sure you’re prepared!” 

   Through cheerleading Manny attended his first football game this year and thought it was “super awesome.” He enjoyed “seeing everyone cheer for a team (and) seeing more of the student life as well.” 

   During the season, Manny also bonded with the cheerleading squad, who supported him. “Everyone sticks up for you and if there’s a problem the whole team has your back. The best teammates you could ask for. I wouldn’t change anything,” he says. 

   Alex Hass, the cheerleading head coach, also made Manny’s experience all the better because she “was the most supportive and welcoming” when he joined cheer.

   Although this is Manny’s senior year, he says he would “definitely do cheer again.”

“You can be yourself and represent your school anyway you want to,” he says. “Anyone can do it, no matter what gender or disability you have!”