With football players finally taking the field on Sept. 25 for the first time since November, cheer is working to get ready for the upcoming season. For coaches and cheerleaders alike, this meant the captain selection process.

“The captain selection process takes a while and starts with a series of questions and scenarios we have to fill out,” varsity co-captain Zoey Clark said via text. “In addition, we make a binder, showcasing our plans/ideas for the year. Then, there is a team vote and the coaches choose the final two.”

Varsity cheer coach Kandy Stevens believes this is an important process that will help shape her team year to year.

“It is necessary to have captains for communication and organization,” Stevens said via email. “But on another level it is important to have leaders who encourage, support and lead the program. A good leader continues to grow, makes changes when needed and inspires others to be their best. I expect captains to take responsibility seriously and work hard to meet their individual goals, both as a cheerleader and in the classroom and community. I expect them to inspire others.”

Both Clark and her co-captain Gabby Mitchel feel that they are prepared for the season to come and are ready to take on any challenges they may face.

“I feel like my responsibilities as a captain are to lead by example and set the emotional and mental tone for the team each practice, keep the team positive and be an encouraging leader,” Mitchel said. “During the selection process you create a binder full of everything you feel a captain would need whether that’s cheers, emergency contacts, etcetera. Later on you answer a series of questions that pertain to things like school spirit, pep rallies, and planning events. As a captain I feel like I can impact the squad through leading by example and being able to put my best foot forward no matter the situation.”

“As captain, we are in charge of planning practices, games, and events, including what we wear and bring,” Clark said. “We also lead practices, call cheers at games and are in charge of answering questions and making sure communication is good throughout the teams. I think as captain this year I can help bring a lot of positivity and optimism as we go through all of the changes we’ve experienced this year. I also have a lot of experience in cheer so helping with technique and choreography for performances is another thing I’m excited to offer.”