The Stan Sheriff Arena hosted the annual Hawaii High School Athletics Association (HHSAA) Cheerleading State Championships on Nov. 6. Radford took home the first-place title in the Co-ed division for the consecutive 13th time. Now, they are on their way to becoming 16-time national champions with more hard work and dedication to this vigorous sport.
During the season, the cheerleading team faced a variety of challenges due to the amount of physical contact that the cheerleaders engaged in. These sprains, fractures, concussions, and injuries served as setbacks to their progress. Additionally, the scoring rubric was altered throughout the competitive season which caused confusion as the cheerleaders were forced to change their routine. Even though the struggles the team faced were rigorous, their strong bond kept them going.
“We are a lot more than a family in this program,” said Senior Varsity Cheerleader Riley Henley.
Cheerleading season lasts from the end of May to late January, and practice occurs five to six times a week, which means that the teammates spend a large chunk of time together. Many of them think of each other as siblings and the coaches as second parents because of how involved they are in each other’s lives.
The mental aspect of the sport is the hardest because cheerleaders often face a multitude of mental blocks when it comes to stunts, tumbling, and even choreography. Mental training is important and it will play a big role on their road to nationals. Nationals is an entirely different environment that requires team preparation. Texas awaits Radford’s Cheerleading team with its colder air which means they must build endurance and perfect their routine. The coaches of the cheer team help them to stay dedicated and know that “they control their destiny.”
“To better ourselves and hopefully get another title we’re planning on spending lots of time practicing and preparing ourselves,” said Henley. “Cheering at Radford has been an unexpected and unexplainable experience that I hold very dearly to me.”
With the amount of support they have received and the powerful bonds, another national title is entirely possible. Though the battles they faced throughout the season were nothing but easy it only pushed the team to strive to become better as one and as individuals. Stay updated with Radford’s cheer team by following their Instagram @radfordcheer.