Cheer tryouts commence despite COVID-19 concerns

PHOTO: Past competitive cheerleaders try to get one more practice in as a group before tryouts on Oct. 17.

By Alexandra Zurborg,

BlueDevilHUB.com Staff–

Despite COVID-19 restrictions, the Davis High competition cheer team held tryouts on Oct. 17 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. However, there are new changes and regulations put in place to make things go smoothly. Tamara Reed is the head coach for competition cheer. 

“We usually try out in small groups which takes some of the pressure off, and now everyone will have to go individually,” Reed said.  “I think it makes it a bit more stressful, but also shows us who can handle it when all eyes are on them, so as a coach I’m actually more interested to see how they do.”

“Some changes to cheer tryouts this year compared to last year are that game day tryouts were online so we had to record ourselves while doing the tryout; for competitive tryouts this year we are trying out one at a time. This is my second year trying out for game day cheer,” sophomore Yazmeen Bayan said. 

With limited spots this year, each girl has to try out for a specific position. This includes base, flyers or backspot. In the past during tryouts, judges and coaches were able to see candidates stunt, but this is not allowed this year. 

“We have really changed up what we are looking for and judging them on, trying to assess their athletic ability even though we haven’t been able to see actual stunting,” Reed said. 

When it comes to competitions, the cheer industry is allowing teams to go in person or be online, depending what they are allowed to do by the school. 

“If it’s safe, we will attend competitions like normal and if not we will be able to stream in live and compete virtually,” Reed said.  “Many of the competitions we attend have done everything possible to ensure that we will be able to compete in some way, even if it’s a little different than what we have done in the past.”

Some of the athletes have made goals that will help them succeed during this year’s season.

“Our main goal for the upcoming season is to compete at a higher level than we have in the past. We are very eager to improve our skill level and challenge ourselves,” junior Carolena Morales said. 

“Some of my goals for this season are to just make the most of it and accept that it is going to be much different than what I am used to. I am hoping to gain many more tumbling skills and work hard so I can improve for the next season,” junior Dakota Banuelous said.

With all of these changes, the team is trying to stay positive and enjoy its season, with hope that people will be back in the football stadium this year.

“I’m looking forward to being with my coaches and teammates again and going to competitions and performing. Although it won’t be the same, competing has always been my favorite part about cheering and it is what I look forward to the most each season,” Banuelous said.

Reed is doing all that she can to make sure the girls are ready for an unforgettable season this year.

“We have no idea what that looks like right now, but I will do whatever it takes to give them something to help them stay connected and supported,” Reed said. “I would be lying if I said I didn’t want to win competitions, especially state. We took a really hard loss there last year, one that will probably stick with me forever as a coach. I think both the girls that were on that team and I are all ready to get back there to prove something this year.”