By LOGAN HOUSER

They are there at every football game. They bring the spirit to Bellefonte Area High School. They are Bellefonte’s very own Cheer Squad. 

The cheer team has had yet another successful season with more accolades to look forward to. They most recently wrapped up the fall season and have moved onto winter competitions. The team placed second in Districts, which earned them a spot in states. The cheer squad also placed twelfth in the state. Most recently, they received an invitation for Nationals in Orlando, Florida at ESPN Worldwide Sports Complex. 

Senior captain Olivia Reiter explains the difference between big competitions and school sporting events.

“Cheering for a crowd at a football game is very different because we are there to raise the energy and get everyone excited about the game, but cheering at a competition is about getting the crowd engaged in what we are about to perform and we have to focus in on our skill,” Olivia said.

The cheerleading team seems very excited about their trip to Florida for both the competition and the vacation. Having a mid-winter getaway to Florida from Central Pennsylvania is a nice plus. Senior Alexis Hosterman had been on the team since she was a freshman.

“I’m really excited for Florida. It’s going to be so much fun and it’ll be my last time getting to compete with my team. It will be a good bonding experience with some of my friends, especially getting to go to Disney World with them,” Lexie said.

On February 5, the team will head off for competition and they hope to do very well. The members want to represent Bellefonte in the best way possible and show the people the talent that they have. This is the first time ever that a cheer competition team from Bellefonte has gone to Nationals, so it could be a stressful experience, especially for a sophomore. One of the sophomores, Reese Fletcher, is one of the best flyers on the team.

“I’ve had an amazing year with some awesome people, to be a flyer you have to be able to trust your bases and I trust everyone on my team. It is nerve-racking, but I’m excited for what’s to come,” Reece said.

The cheer team will finish up their season with a big competition to wrap it all up.