Due to the fact the song team will be cut, current song-leaders must either try out for cheer, or go into dance.

Ultimately the difference between cheer and song is that cheerleaders tumble and do stunts at games and song-leaders do the kick line and dances at halftime. Having two separate teams for such a similar sport was seen as unnecessary and caused some undesired competition between the girls.

“Many students are upset by [the news] and that was not our goal,” said Courtney Koehler, cheer advisor.

Although many girls in song did not take this news lightly, many saying that they were “forced to get over it,” the advisors feel that it will be a better change in the long run.

“At first I was kind of shocked and a little angry. But I decided to make the best of the situation and try something new, so I’ll definitely try out for cheer,” said Nikki Miller, song-leader.

According to Koehler, only having cheer will create a more unified, simple team consisting of solely JV Cheer and Varsity Cheer.

“Our main goal is to cheer for events,” said Koehler.

Currently, the Varsity Pep Squad Advisor is Melissa Murphy and the JV advisor is Koehler. In addition to wanting a single team to reduce competition and separation, Murphy will be moving to Nashville, TN, taking a leave of absence next year, leaving song team without an advisor.

According to Murphy, being Varsity Pep Squad Advisor took “a lot of work and time year round with games, clinics, decorating lockers,” etc. However the relationships developed with the girls outside of the classroom are what Murphy considers to be the best experience overall.

Koehler encourages not only song girls to try out for cheer next year, but anyone with an interest in joining the team.