“Let’s go, let’s go, L-E-T-S G-O!” This classic cheer can be heard echoing throughout the stands at Wheeler Field during home football games, alongside the band’s boisterous music as well as over the calls of referees on the field. Sideline cheer is a huge part of the football culture here at St. Louis, and its loud-and-proud voices lead the student section through cheering on the Shark footballers.
Sideline cheer has had a huge upgrade for this season, though. Several new cheering additions (and new teammates) have been added to the roster for the 2023 football season, and they’re sure to be big hits at the games. Some of these additions include a few cool pieces of equipment, such as four new flags (each boasting a letter of SLHS emblazoned on them) and a run-through banner for the football team.
“It’s really weird seeing all the new equipment,” shared senior Jaycee Best. Best has been cheering for five years, and tends to serve as a role model for the team and its newer members. “Honestly, I’m kind of jealous. They get all this new stuff for next year, and this is my last season.”
Some of the new teammates are rather interesting, though, because they’re boys! St. Louis now officially has a co-ed cheer team for this season. The new cheerleaders include senior Brayden Kunkel, sophomores Harley Mader and Anson Sanborn, and freshman Bryce Buchanan. Other new additions to the cheer squad include senior Emilee DeBolt.
“It’s kind of exciting being a freshman doing cheer,” shared Buchanan. As both new to the cheering world and the high school in general, Buchanan is excited for his experience as a member of the cheer squad. “It’s also kind of exciting because I’m one of the first boys to be a cheerleader too,” he added.
Being a cheerleader is more than just leading the crowd in encouraging the football team, though. It’s a team experience and a staple of St. Louis football games. Luckily, after seniors like Best graduate, the cheer team won’t end there. “I never thought I’d hear the boys say they want to do it again after this year,” said Best. “But they are so excited to continue their cheer experience.”
