As Homecoming week came to a close, many Carterville High School spirit team members felt the pressure during the last two days. Between the parade, pep rally, and football game, school spirit is at its highest, which means spirit teams must match that level. “I loved being able to make memories with my teammates this year, and Homecoming week brought me even closer to the girls on my team,” said junior Avery Chapman.
To start off the festivities, spirit team members walked in the Homecoming parade. Due to the forecast this year, the parade was moved to Thursday rather than the normal Friday schedule. However, cheer, dance, and band all made the most out of the situation. Evan Miranti, a sophomore in band, said that “It was really important to keep everybody enthusiastic and excited. The drum majors, Emilie Hanley and Karlie Jeralds, did a great job at keeping everyone upbeat and looking forward to marching.”
After the parade, on Friday, came the pep rally. As many students waited with anticipation in class, spirit teams worked hard to bring the best performances. The performances did not start that day, though. Emerson Scherschel, a junior cheer team member, revealed that they started their routine “the week after school started, so the week of tryouts.”
The pep rally consisted of many different games, routines, and school rituals. The senior class won the spirit stick and everyone left the building that day ready to enjoy the last moments of Homecoming.
That night, the Homecoming football game against West Frankfort took place, and it was one for the books. Not only was it a close score of 21-16 Lions, but the game lasted longer than anticipated. A rain delay in the 1st quarter lasting 2 hours sent many home or inside to take cover. When the game resumed, both cheer and dance stayed till the end, around 11 P.M. “I had a lot of fun during the rain delay because we came inside and hung out. We ordered pizza and talked about Homecoming, and how we were all excited for it. Although we were there late, my teammates and coaches made things fun” said sophomore dance team member Anastasia Pilz.
Homecoming may have looked different this year, but it did not stop the school pride from shining through. While spirit team members are there to guide, the ultimate source is the student body, and the amount Carterville students brought was beyond.
“Homecoming week was a blast! Between Dance’s opening routine and collaborating with cheer for Thunderstruck- we got the crowd ready for the game! These girls worked hard and it paid off!” said assistant Dance team coach Elisha Sharpe.
The impact that spirit teams have on Homecoming is substantial, and it makes a difference on the whole week.
