Whether or not cheerleading is a sport has been debated at great lengths. However, when students at Chapin are asked, the majority agree that cheerleading certainly fits the definition. In fact, the South Carolina High School League has even sanctioned cheerleading to be a sport in the state of South Carolina.

Cheerleading has evolved tremendously over time; it used to simply mean encouraging a crowd at an athletic event, shaking pompoms and flashing a positive smile. Cheerleaders today have gone from solely being the pep on the sidelines to hardcore athletes in the gym, taking just as much physical training and practice time as the majority of other sports.

The girls on the squad practice for two to three hours a day, for six to seven days a week. Throughout practice, they stretch, warm up for tumbling and jumps, and work on perfecting their state-title winning routine. “I think cheerleading is a sport because you have to be athletic to do it. It’s not the same type of sport as football or basketball, but it’s still tough with all of the flips and jumps that they do,” says freshman Reid Minges.

Along with cheering on the sidelines of every football game, the team works hard in preparation for competition season. The atmosphere at practice is very serious. The team works extremely hard as a whole in hopes of winning another state ring at the end of the season. According to Coach Vicki Williams, the cheerleaders stay dedicated because it is simply expected. She says, “There is no ‘gray area’ – as soon as they become a member of the competition team they realize people are depending on them to continue a strong work ethic and a commitment to excellence. It is all business on the mat and we will continue to push in order to achieve our goal.”

As far as competitions go, cheerleaders are scored on level of difficulty, execution, projection, and technique. A perfect score is 300. In 2010, Chapin Varsity Cheerleaders scored a 297 which is the highest Chapin has ever scored. At state last year, Chapin received a 282 to win the title again. .”We standout because of how on point all of our jumps and stunts are. We always hit on counts and come together really well during our routine,” says Senior Captain Evan Staub.

Williams makes sure the team stays focused and works hard at each and every practice. “When someone makes the team, the first thing she learns is that what we do is ‘for all the girls that have come before them’ – we work hard to continue the tradition that was laid out before them. She goes on to say, “When the seniors graduate they know whoever takes their spot has to be committed to carry on the work ethic. It is not about any one individual- it is the belief they have to work as a team and believe in each other. The expectations are huge and it is not an easy journey.” This is the beginning of Williams’ twelfth year of coaching at Chapin and she says her favorite thing is the relationships she has with all the girls she has coached.  “I treasure those relationships very much and I hope to instill beliefs and life skills that will continue to carry them throughout life,” Williams says.

The talent within each individual girl on the team is overwhelming. However, what makes Chapin cheer so special is the work ethic and dedication within the entire team. The team stays  focused and dedicated individually for a variety of reasons. “I push myself so much and work so hard because I want to win state. I can’t wait to get another state ring,” says sophomore Ana Powlas. The girls on the team are also best friends outside of the cheerleading atmosphere. The bonds and friendships on the team make all of the hard work spent together more enjoyable. “I enjoy cheering so much because of the chemistry between all of us on the team. We are all like one big family because we spend so much time together,” says Senior Kelsey Helock.
The secret to Chapin’s cheerleading success is the passion from the individual team members combined with that of their coach. And, the physical training and commitment on and off the field is considered, cheerleading at Chapin is clearly not only sport, but a model of excellence with a lasting legacy.