In the fall, cheerleaders were on the sidelines cheering on the football team. As East transitions into winter sports, the cheerleaders switch over to competition season. Although they both are forms of cheerleading, the two seasons are very unique. 

The level of intensity rises as the competition season nears, which affects practice times. Senior Hannah Adams has been involved in cheerleading at East for the past four years.

“A major difference is practice times. For sideline, we only practice once a week, on Thursdays before the game the next day. For competition, we have practice all week. Sometimes we have morning practices on Fridays, and we have competitions almost every weekend,” Adams said.

Devoting more time to the sport is something Adams is more than willing to do to feel prepared for competitions. 

“I prefer competing and getting on the floor and showing off a routine in front of everyone. I like competing against other teams, rather than just cheering on the football team,” Adams said.

Other East cheerleaders also like the competitive season better than the sidelines. Sophomore Brooke Schmudde agrees that competition season is more thrilling than sideline season and allows her to be more challenged. 

“I prefer competition cheer because I like competing and going out on the mat. Sideline is more relaxing and to hang out with friends. Competitive cheer is mentally and physically harder,” Schmudde said.

Not only do the athletes feel the differences in the seasons, but the coaches do as well. Varsity sideline and competitive cheerleading coach Emily Clements is in her fifth year of coaching at East, along with previous experience coaching in college.

“Football season is cheerleading for other sports. The goal is to cheer on football players, lead crowds in cheers, and lift the overall spirit of the gameday experience, whereas in the competitive season, we are competing for ourselves against other teams for conference, sectional, and state titles,” Clements said.

Although the goals between the two seasons are equally as important, they are very different. One is focused on school spirit and supporting the community, and the other is driven by precision and rivalry. Despite the differences, both seasons create strong teams that are striving to succeed.

Written by seniors Kayli Pembroke and Ava Karg. Edited by staff writers for Oswego East’s online news magazine The Howl.