Courtesy of oradellminicheer.com
The Minis take the field mightily.
The River Dell High School cheerleaders are known for many things: their catchy chants, iconic halftime performances, and the energy they bring to every single football game, but they deserve credit for more than that; RD’s cheerleaders also coach the 3rd-8th grade junior cheer program.
It is their responsibility to teach each of the cheers and proper technique, ensuring that the varsity team can “dedicate more practice time to advancing stunting and tumbling skills upon entry,” according to head varsity coach, Ms. Schiff.
This year, the 21 high school cheerleaders not only fill the positions as coaches but role models as well, “foster[ing] a lasting passion and love for the sport in younger athletes,” continued Schiff.
The high school cheerleaders and their junior counterparts began forming connections earlier this year, starting in the summer, when the varsity team hosted a clinic for the junior program.
Senior and fifth grade coach, Juliet Gioffre, recalled how her experience in the junior program inspired her to coach the junior girls, as well. It was important to her to form a bond with them and get the girls to “really love cheer, want to come to practice each week, and get excited for the games”.
Juliet’s dedication to the junior program doesn’t end on the field, she also coaches a few of them for the talent show at Cherry Hill school.
Sophomore, Erin Courain, is another varsity cheerleader devoted to giving her third graders the best possible experience she can. “I love watching the girls progress through the season because they truly grow so much from their half time routines to their sideline cheers.”
Although Courain loves seeing how they improve through the season, the most important part is forming a strong bond with the girls because it “makes coming to practices a lot more enjoyable and productive for not only the cheerleaders but for the coaches as well.”
It’s safe to say that the high school cheerleaders have proven their dedication by spreading the infectious love they have for their sport to the junior program.