By Angel Perry
Staff Writer
Southfield’s varsity cheerleaders are trying something new: cheer competitions.
This is the first time they’ve considered entering competitions in addition to supporting the Blue Jays at their games.
Junior LaRiya Bowers says she’s looking forward to adding competitions because “They’re fun and sweet.” Bowers says she looks forward to learning new stunts, such as back handsprings and flips that will make them more competitive.
Senior and team captain Krashawn Willis says she’s excited for the change because entering competitions is going to show her teammates what working hard looks like. Also, she hopes competitions will benefit her by getting her a cheer scholarship for her dedication.
Their new coach, Southfield High alumna Shanavia Thomas, says she knows the transition will require a lot of hard work.
The coach is preparing the team by having practice three times a week, working on their flexibility for 15 minutes, and cheer stunts for an hour. Coach Thomas says tumbling will be added to practice and squad members will have to condition for 30 minutes and do 100 push-ups every practice.
Coach Thomas says her aim is to show people that cheerleading is a sport, and you have to work hard to do it.
Willis says her new coach is great and with her stunt techniques and flipping ability, the team will be ready for whatever challenges are thrown their way.
Cheer competitions didn’t work in the past because the girls weren’t as dedicated and willing to work as hard, says Coach Thomas.
In competitions, squads are judged on basis of skills in several categories that include jumps, vocals, tumbling exercises, floor mobility, and the level of difficulty of their routines.
The coach says she plans on going into competitions with positive attitudes “and remembering to have fun.”
Cheer competitions will benefit the school by showing the public that Southfield High School doesn’t just have a great band and football team, Coach Thomas says. Blue Jays can be good in competitive cheer sports, as well, she says.
The coach plans on starting competitions in March as a level three division competitor, or higher, depending on what skill level they reach.
The top champion in Division 3 at present is Rochester Adams. “Those girls are beasts and are known for winning,” says Coach Thomas.
The cheer team plans to fund competitions by selling Little Caesar pizza kits and cookie dough scratch.