Grace Vaccaro, Staff Writer
Last year, The State Times documented Oneonta’s Cheer journey to their National Competition in Hershey Park, wishing them luck in being victorious. Now, in the new academic year, we can proudly say that the Cheer Team achieved their goal of winning. This extended their streak to five years in a row. Their determination to win again is palpable as the tryouts for this year’s team began September 14th.
I had the opportunity to speak with captain Giana Conforti and junior captain Lydia Bingham about what they were excited for and expecting with this year’s team. Giana is a senior, Human Development Family Studies major, and has been doing cheer since 6th grade. Her favorite part about cheerleading is how much the team gets to bond. She has felt that every year, each girl has become a best friend for life.
Lydia, a junior and Childhood Education major, has been doing cheer since 7th grade. She said that this is a sport where you are “throwing each other up in the air and relying on your teammates to catch you.” She loves seeing the relationships on the team blossom as the season progresses.
They described a great teammate as someone who comes into practice with a positive attitude and leaves anything negative outside. Someone who comes in with a lot of energy and is willing to hype everyone up and be there for one another. Showing up, even when you don’t want to, displays dedication to the team and shows the importance of connection.
Giana is excited to show off her love and passion for cheer, hopefully inspiring others to notice cheer in ways that they haven’t yet. She reflected on how many cheerleaders have had negative experiences in the past, and hopes that this team reshapes and recreates memories that remind them of their love for the sport.
It’s Lydia’s first year on the EBoard, so she is excited to see the other side of things. Last year she was nervously trying out for the team for the first time, and now she gets to be the one to encourage and support the newcomers. One event that she is especially looking forward to is Senior Night, since it is such a special night to highlight the seniors on the team.
For the new members joining the team, they say to cherish every moment and embrace the unfamiliar. Time goes by so fast; the next thing you know, it will be your final season with the team. Even if memories may seem ordinary in the moment, looking back on them, you will realize how special they were.
Everyone is so excited to start the new season off strong and welcome all the new members with open arms. Be ready to see the cheer team cheering on our basketball teams, and in the spring, wish them luck on their journey to nationals. We are so excited to see what they have planned for this year!
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