Cheerleading: Lady Cowboys compete at first meet

BY KAYLA GATES

With the fall football season coming to a close, cheerleaders have fled the sidelines and taken to the fields. While the school team will no longer be cheering CCHS on during the games, the Lady Cowboys are making the most of their season by participating in competitions.

The junior varsity and varsity teams traveled to Miramar High School on Wednesday, November 13 following the conclusion of the school day. CCHS came prepared to compete against teams throughout Broward County.

After a long night of competition, with the meet commencing at 6 p.m. and lasting for a few hours, CCHS was able to claim their title. The team finished third out of the five schools competing.

Cheerleaders from around the district piled into the Miramar High School gymnasium for competition. Despite the crowds, CCHS cheers could be heard from across the room. The Lady Cowboys recited their various chants, hoping to convey their school spirit to the judges.

Performances included a wide range of movements from team members. CCHS incorporated a few stunts into their routines, allowing them to differentiate themselves from their competition. 

“Being on the competitive team has given me a chance to boost my confidence.”

This included working as a team to lift others into the air. 

One key team member for CCHS was sophomore Noa Pogany. With an extensive background in cheerleading, the young athlete was invited to compete on the varsity team. Pogany’s experience allowed her to add to the skill level of her teammates. 

“Making varsity as a sophomore feels great,” Pogany said. “I plan to continue cheering competitively for the school.”

Competitive cheerleading provides a sharp contrast to the traditional season. During football games, the team is limited to simple routines in order to display their school spirit. However, competitive tournaments allow the Lady Cowboys to expand their horizons.

“I’m excited to see the improvement throughout the season so that our routine will be on the next level by the end of the season.”

“Being on the competitive team has given me a chance to boost my confidence,” sophomore Zoe McClure said. “I have a ton of fun competing.”

As in years past, the team will continue to compete in local tournaments, aiming to improve their district ranking. Their performance at the upcoming regional meet will determine their eligibility to compete at the state competition.

The team hopes to match the success they have observed in years past. CCHS placed first at the 2018 Broward County District Championship. Their victory allowed them to qualify for the state finals in Gainesville. However, district champion was the extent of their title last school year. The team placed seventh at the state tournament, preventing CCHS from advancing to national-level competition.

“We didn’t do bad for the first competition,” sophomore Breckyn Mayer said. “I’m excited to see the improvement throughout the season so that our routine will be on the next level by the end of the season.”

Looking ahead, the Lady Cowboys hope to continue their success this season. CCHS plans to maintain its status as the leading team in the district and further it at states. With a long legacy of prestige behind them, the junior varsity and varsity teams hope to exceed all expectations. 

Photo by Sydney Katz