CHANGE: Poly’s Pep Squad makes additions to increase school spirit.
By Kayla Iles, Staff Writer
Poly’s Cheer and Song team, collectively known as Poly’s “Pep Squad,” plans to step up its game in order to increase pride and enthusiasm at Poly High School this year. The co-ed group brought in a new coach and choreographer to lead them to victory during competition season and teach them new sideline dances, stunts and cheers to pump up the crowd on Friday nights. Pep Squad has a grand total of 96 athletes this year—a vast increase in members from previous years. They added a sixth period P.E. class, which has given the team more time to practice.
Regarding the team’s goals for the year, Co-Captain Mackenzie Feeken (12) stated, “This year we [are] really pushing for more elite skills,” Feeken continued, “the entire squad, especially varsity, has really bonded through rigorous practices and an incredible cheer camp. We really have become a family.”
Pep Squad advisor Mrs. Lupe Avila coaches the team with the help of the new assistant coaches Steve Brockman and Raven Rivera. “The new coaches bring so many creative ideas to the squad,” Feeken mentioned. However, Feeken explained that due to the amount of discipline needed to preform stunts safely, cheer will be a lot stricter this year.
With the addition of a new coach and choreographer, an increase in athletes and the introduction of a sixth period class, Pep Squad will push school spirit through the roof.