After a huge Taco Shack Bowl win against the Knights, it’s time to give some spotlight to some of the people who carry the sidelines during our games!
The Trojan Cheer team competed against the McCallum Cheer team in their annual Spirit Competition. The two squads participate in an old-school cheer-off during the week leading up to the big game. Friends and family participated in voting through KXAN for which team they thought was the most spirited. This year a total of 28,640 people voted in the poll. Anderson brought in 50.5% of the vote, with 14,477 submissions, while McCallum got only 14,163 votes. This started a day full of Trojan victories.
Post-game I got a chance to talk with 3 juniors on the Spirit Committee. Laney Owens runs the cheer Instagram account. Kennedy Matthys is head of Merits/Demerits and chair of Senior Week, and Mia Stern is in charge of all awards for the team. Each girl plays a vital role in making the team run smoothly and keeping the spirit alive.
“My favorite part about being on cheer is football season. Everything about it is so exciting, decorating locker rooms, wearing the uniforms, cheering at the games, pep rallies, it is all such a special experience.”
-Mia Stern JR
“I had been waiting to do all of the fun Varsity things for a super long time. Now that I am a Junior, I would sum it all up as just being on Varsity is my favorite part of being on cheer! Having an actual routine in pep rally’s, cheering at the Varsity games etc. are SO much fun! “
-Laney Owens JR
“My favorite part about cheer, is definitely football season! As it is my first year being able to be on Varsity, there are so many new responsibilities and opportunities with being on cheer!”
-Kennedy Matthys JR
These girls and many more work tirelessly to make sure that all Anderson teams feel supported and cheered on. They are very apparent in the importance of keeping a positive and encouraging attitude. During long and hard practices it is of the utmost importance to be a positive leader to their teammates. Kennedy says, “I always do my best to know everything that’s going on and always be one step ahead!” Especially during Taco Shack week, it’s stressful, long, insanely hot, and hard for everyone. That makes it even more significant to be alert, especially while being on the Spirit Committee.
Football is king in Texas, but a lot of underappreciated work goes into making the Friday Night Lights so special for everyone. Highschool football games wouldn’t be near the experience without the cheerleaders because we wouldn’t have the signs, spirit, or success that comes with them, so next time you’re at one of the Trojan football games make sure to cheer on your cheerleaders too!
