This year’s cheer team has had a strong season so far. But are they good enough to make it to state?

After last year’s record-breaking success—winning conference and sectionals for the first time in H-F history, and placing eighth at state—the stakes were high going into this season.

While they haven’t competed yet, the team is confident about their prospects this season. Cheer coach Zenia Boyd said, “I think this year’s cheerleading team will go to state and win because they have a different grit and grind. Their focus is different, and their attitudes align with the goals they have set for success.”

Many changes have been made to this year’s team, including the new routines, the gain of members and the loss of key members from last year’s squad. Another significant difference is the addition of more boys to the team, making it a more coed group. With more male members, the team will be more competitive and well-rounded in terms of strength, skill, and diversity. “We lost six good members last year as they graduated, but we have added talented individuals who want to finish the business of winning state this year,” Boyd said. “I am proud of the work the team is putting in now to continue the winning tradition in cheer at H-F.”

Boyd believes this year’s team has the determination and discipline to win it all. “Having more boys this year is a positive change,” she said. “The leaders on the team are effective and help the team improve as a unit.”

So does this year’s team have what it takes to top last year’s impressive season?

Junior Jayden Caridine said, “Yes! We will go to state because we’re strong and we know how to work together. Overall, we are very skillful and determined.”

As the season approaches and the team prepares, H-F and the state wait to see what the cheerleaders have to offer this year. Do they have what it takes to bring back the winning tradition and claim the title?