Along with the Armuchee Football Team, the Armuchee Sideline/Football Cheer team is also in season as they attend every football game to cheer on the football players starting on August 23, at their first game, and ending on November 1, at their last game. Coach Hellriegal works with the girls every practice including consistent run throughs of cheers and stunts to prepare them for the excitement and pressure of cheering in front of big crowds on Friday nights. On August 2nd, the team got to cheer at the Tribes first game this season. This year, Armuchee has 12 games this year including scrimmages, and the cheerleaders are there to support the football team every time.
When the first game was played emotions not only may have excelled for the players, but also for the cheerleaders as they were about to face the crowd for the first time of the season. Emotions varied between the girls. Senior, Abbie Carson, said, “You would think it would be scary, but it’s really not as long as we look like we know what we’re doing.” Although Abbie says she really doesn’t mind it, sophomore, Reagan Latham, said, “Cheering in front of a crowd is exciting and makes our adrenaline rush.” From being super nervous, to being completely unphased, both girls give examples of how the crowd can affect each individual girl differently. Even though all the cheerleaders have different emotions before the game, it doesn’t stop them from being upbeat and cheering for the tribe.
Although the team has many cheers that they perform, some specific cheers can be favorites for them, and one popular cheer that seems to be fun to the girls is A Pump It Up. Seniors Abbie Crason and Peyton Falk both named the cheer as their favorite. Abbie said, “A Pump It up is my favorite cheer because it is different from the rest and really hypes me up the most.” Abbie explains that she mostly likes cheers that pump her up the most, as her favorite is the cheer that gets her the most thrilled. Peyton Falk said, “A Pump It Up would have to be my favorite because it is fun to do and is very energetic.” Peyton is very similar to Abbie not only because they have the same favorite cheer, but also because they like the cheers that pump them up the best. On the other hand, Freshman, Kayden Johnson, said “Hold That Line is definitely my favorite because I feel like the team looks very put together when we do it and it is very fun to do.” Kayden enjoys looking professional with her team the most. Although favorite cheers may differ throughout the team, the fun and energetic cheers always seem to be the reason that they enjoy performing it so much.
Sideline cheer is so much more than just bringing or creating a positive attitude and shouting towards the crowd, it’s also a great way for all the girls to socialize and make friends. Freshman, Aubrey Smith, said, “Being able to cheer for my Tribe and socialize with my friends all while doing what I love at the same time is what makes cheering so fun for me.” Having fun with her friends and cheering for Armuchee is what makes being a cheerleader so special to Aubrey. Aubrey also said, “It is very special that I get to be a part of the Armuchee Football Cheer Team. I really feel like we are able to provide more excitement and entertainment to the atmosphere of Friday nights.” Aubrey also enjoys being able to be a source of enthusiasm and amusement for all of the audience. Also Freshman, Jenna Taylor, said, “Cheering on Friday nights is very fun for me and I can always count on the games to put me in a positive mood.” Both Aubrey and Jenna show that cheer leading isn’t only about learning the motions, but it’s also about being with the community, being with their friends, and having fun.
The next football game is Friday, October 16th at Fannin County at 7:30. The cheerleaders will be there in front of the audience to once again cheer on the Tribe. Make sure to show up to help the cheerleaders support the boys as they take on the Fannin County Rebels!
