As Summer comes to an end and Fall begins, so do sports. On a Friday night, most high schoolers spend their time at their school’s football games cheering on their team.
The student section is filled to the brim with plenty of energy the sun starts to set and the game begins. But football isn’t the only thing going on, closer to the student section is sideline cheer to “pump them up” and get the excitement going. When sideline cheer season ends, most cheerleaders will continue their passion into the competitive season. So for most, this is not just a one-season sport.
There are many different reasons to love this sport, whether it’s supporting the football team or the personal and group accomplishment. Freshman Avery Kozar’s favorite moment was the game against South Lyon East. Kozar joked that it was because “We wrangled those Lions,”
Meanwhile, for Sophomore, Maybree McKenney her favorite moment was her landing her back tuck, one of the most important accomplishments for both sideline and competitive cheer… Captain and Senior Grace Wolf’s favorite moment was, “Making it to States my sophomore year.”
Milford’s competitive seasons have been going incredibly well in these last few years and the memories with the girls continuing to qualify year and after year for regionals. Senior and Captain Evia Marszalek’s favorite memory was, “Hearing our name called for fourth place at the 2023 Regional Competition, and advancing to State Finals.” States is a huge accomplishment for any school to make it and shows all the hard work put in to get there.
The captains have tried to create a positive environment where the girls can support one another. “I love being able to support my teammates when they come to me for help,” said Wolf, who also added that it allows her to form a better connection with her coaches, giving her the opportunity to share her ideas with the team. Her joy and connection with her teammates are seen in McKenney’s as she explains, “We will miss the amazing seniors and the positivity they bring to the team.” Wolf recalled the bond with the team her sophomore year as what made that year her favorite, that the team was “very close so it was always so positive.” Years later, the bond of the girls before them is and will always be remembered.
Out of the current sideline season so far, both McKenney and Kozar said that the USA-themed game (9/13) was their favorite. Meanwhile, Wolf is looking forward to the Homecoming game and pep assembly because they will get to perform the homecoming routine. The season is near being done as they get to cheer on the Maverick football team in the playoffs. They will continue to pump up the student section under those Friday night lights as the fall season comes to an end.