Winter cheer has officially kicked off. After a stellar fall season, the team is ready to go for the winter. With their team having gone from 27 to 20 with the edition of 6 new girls, the team has been pushed into high gear. But that’s not the only change for this season. GRHS cheer said goodbye to their coaches of 6 years, Erica Little and Angela Irvolino, and welcomed GRMS teachers, Amanda Mennella and Jessica Rolfe as their coaches for the season.
Mennella and Rolfe have entered their first year of coaching at GRHS. This is also both of their first-year coaching cheer in general. The two were very excited when the opportunity was offered up by the athletic director, Frank Violante and both jumped at the chance.
Mennella states “I cheerleaded myself from middle school and high school competitively. And it was always something I thought about and then the opportunity came about and I took it and ran with it.”
With all the changes to the team, it took everyone a bit of time to get their bearings back. There was some worry amongst the team in the beginning. With the new coaches coming halfway through the year, when everyone has already become acclimated to the team and the coaches from last season there were uncertainties of how things would be run now. From routines to uniforms, the team didn’t know how things would be sorted out.
“ I feel like right now we’re experiencing some ups and downs, but I’m pretty positive. I like to stay positive overall. And I think we’re honestly going to do good.” Senior Captain, Agam Or-Chen states.
The winter season is meant to be more difficult, it’s much different than sideline cheer. The routine used to impress crowds at the football games will now be graded by judges. This places an immense amount of pressure and stress on the team. There’s also excitement buzzing in the air because it’s no longer just Glen Rock fans watching, it’s many other cheer teams from all around the area.
“ I’m also very excited to get to show off our stuff for us and against other teams instead of just for the football players and the football fans.” Senior Captain, Emma Belasco expresses.
All in all, the team is working hard to prepare for their first competition. Everyone is excited to be back and can’t wait to show off their improved routine. Come support the GRHS cheerleaders at their competitions this winter, and in the words of the cheer team, rock on!
