Cheerleaders have already began preparing for their winter competition season and are looking forward to the coming months. Competition cheer differs greatly from football and basketball cheer. Instead of the typical setting on the sidelines, the girls travel to different schools to perform a cheer and dance routine for judges to critique.

  The team is working on perfecting new stunts and cheers for this year’s routine, choreographed by 2015 alumni Kaylee Drab. Drab was an all-star cheerleader for six years, cheered all through highschool and was a three season captain her senior year. She hopes that

the team will be able to pick up the routine she has created.

  “I’m really excited to be choreographing for the girls this year. I want to see them be successful at competition and I can’t wait to see a unique and exciting routine that will highlight their skills,” Drab said.

  Despite a difficult season last year, the cheerleaders feel that they have greatly improved their skill and performance abilities.The team’s coach, Alyssa Suhre, also has high expectations for the team this year.

  “To prepare for competitions I have started a practice plan that is individualized for each cheerleading position. Bases and backs have a different workout plan than flyers As a team we are focused on improving our stunts to be higher in difficulty and to increase tumbling.”

  The girls’ first competition is January 30 at Wolcott High School. Following that is the Windsor Warrior Challenge on February 13 and the Conference Championship at Plainville High School on February 27.