Cheerleading is no easy job, but a demanding commitment

When football playoffs are over in the fall, the players get a break -- same with basketball in the spring -- but cheerleading season just keeps on going.

"Our girls get March off," Cape Girardeau Central varsity cheerleading coach Patty Wamble said. "Tryouts are in April. Then we have camps and practice again all summer until football starts in the fall. ... This year there was a one-day break between football and basketball."

With Central's state-bound football season, the turnaround for cheerleaders to learn their new winter stunts was not much time at all. The state playoff game for the Central Tigers was Nov. 29 and basketball season began Dec. 1.

Wamble said many of the cheers they use can be modified from the football season, and the group begins to practice the transitions halfway through the fall, but it is still a challenge, especially when the girls go from cheering at one to two games a week to four or five.

"It's hard to keep the girls motivated so they don't burn out," said Jackson varsity coach Jana Scott. "Football season doesn't seem as long, so that sometimes sways the girls to try and be more positive."

The Jackson High School cheer squad comprises 20 girls, and Scott said she tries to keep the group close-knit.

"[We're like a family in that] at times you don't always like them, but you still care about them. We definitely have our ups and downs, but we're getting better as the season goes along," Scott said.

In addition to cheerleading, both coaches encourage their cheerleaders to be involved in extracurricular activities at school.

"There's spring sports, clubs like FBLA [Future Business Leaders of America], some are involved in choir, and I try to work around their schedules -- marching band, color guard, others participate in drama. I encourage them to do something that they really want to do, but they only have so much time, and they should try to give 100 percent to everything," Wamble said.

In addition to balancing their time-management skills, the girls are learning a number of life skills by cheering in high school.

The Central High School cheerleaders pose for a photo at the SEMO Conference tournament Monday, Dec. 8, 2014 in Sikeston, Missouri. (Fred Lynch)

One-half of the Jackson cheerleading squad poses for a photo at the SEMO Conference Tournament Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2014 in Sikeston, Missouri. (Fred Lynch)

"There are a lot of good life lessons," Scott said. "It's not all about you. Check your attitude at the door. ... [Cheerleading] teaches the girls to get along with a large group of people, and at times there's drama, but they can't be a Debbie downer: They have a job to do."

Being a sideline squad, the girls at both high schools are normally busy five nights a week, more time than most part-time jobs require, but Scott said that's how she sees cheering -- as a job.

"[Cheering is also] preparing them for the actual workforce. Many of these girls do have jobs ... and I don't penalize them for that, but I do encourage them to plan ahead and keep their commitments," Scott said.

Scott's been with the Jackson cheer team for five years, and this year she's trying something new. By relieving six girls a game, she's hoping they'll stay energized and be able to remain ahead on their studies. The girls can switch their off days with other teammates if they have a big test to study for, but Scott is hoping this method will teach good communication and instill responsibility.

"They're a great group of girls ..." Scott said. "They work hard, they have a job to do and they do it well."

smaue@semissourian.com

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The Central High School cheerleaders perform at the SEMO Conference Tournament on Monday in Sikeston, Missouri. (Fred Lynch)