The Byrd Cheerleaders have won the state championship for the last five years, and this team of 14 girls and one boy plans to continue it that way. Robert C. Byrd's squad plays a vital role in the school's spirit. The team's jobs consist of leading the students at sporting events and pep-rallies, doing community service, and, of course, cheering on the school's teams. Although that is what cheerleading is often seen as, that is only one aspect.
In addition to motivating the school's athletic teams, the cheerleading team also focuses on the competitive side of things. Competitive cheerleading is much more intense than what is often displayed at school. The Flying Eagles attend three competitions a year, one not being guaranteed. Typically, the team practices six days a week, averaging about 19 hours each week. Some of their time is spent working on game cheers, but after the first game they're in preparation for competitions.
This year the team consists of two seniors, four juniors, five sophomores, and four freshmen. They lost three members of the team last year and gained five for the new season. The Byrd Cheerleaders have Regionals and the Big 10 Conference competitions scheduled for November. Cheerleading States takes place toward the middle of December every year. Good luck Eagles!
Cheering on the sidelines, Senior Zechariah Hines hopes to enthuse the crowd. The cheerleaders worked hard to build team morale and school spirit.