Look out for a young but talented squad of cheerleaders leading Marauder fans from the sidelines this fall. After losing eight seniors on a team of 20 last year, seven freshmen have stepped up and taken their place. What they lack in experience, however, they make up for in gymnastic ability.
Fifth-year head coach Debbie DeVeer says that many of the new girls who made the team have good gymnastic experience, but the challenge will be to incorporate their tumbling ability with the dancing and cheering also required.
With a young squad stunting will also be a challenge, DeVeer said. They have simplified some of the stunts, but are also going to be challenging the girls to try some more advanced skills they haven't encountered yet. Currently they are working on Scale 540s and qupies in preparation for the invitational competitions and ultimately the Bay State Conference competition in November.
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The upperclassmen, and particularly tri-captains Jen Cormican, Talyor St. Cyr, and Emly Beaudion, have taken on leadership roles already, according to DeVeer.
"The seniors have been involved since they were freshmen, so their leadership skills have been really good with the underclassmen," DeVeer said. "They are accepting and understanding that it's a younger squad and we need to work with them."
