SHS CHEER TAKES SECOND

by Krista Norton | December 12, 2024

Small but Mighty! That is the name high school Head Cheerleading Coach, Marcos Valadez put on the 2024-2025 squad last summer, “We may not have the numbers, but our team has overcome adversity and is always stepping up to the challenge.” 
Proving this, the Syracuse High School cheerleaders competed in Holly, Colorado’s cheer competition Thursday, December 5, bringing home a second-place trophy. 
Valadez, at the time, had registered the squad for state competition in Topeka and was unsure if they were ready. “I made a tough decision to pull our registration, due in part to one injured and several competing in dual sports during volleyball, golf and now basketball.” 
“As a coach, with any sport, I want to make sure the athletes are successful, especially cheerleading because that is something I have been involved in for so many years,” said Valadez, “Also I decided to compete in something smaller since this is my building year.” 
The squad made up of Paige Haslett, Yoselin Avila, Jazzlyn Montes, Sandra Einspahr, Emily Pena, Lanee Owens, and Aspen Banning, had been training for the state competition in Topeka, so they continued sharpening their skills and learned a different, more upbeat fight, song two weeks before the competition, “I am so proud of them for pushing through, making sure they had the correct motions and knew the right count,” said Valadez. 
The day before the competition, the squad performed in front of the student body, helping to get their pre competition nerves out, “It was a great warm up for the girls to get in front of a crowd,” said Valadez. 
The day of competition, one of our cheerleaders accidentally cut her finger, which required stitches, “She was determined to not let that stop her from competing with her team,” said Valadez, “That is what it’s going to take for our cheer program to be successful. 
Since they were a Kansas school, they were required to follow the rules of the Kansas State High School Athletic Association (KSHSAA), competing in the game day competition dance, sideline, a cheer and a fight song. 
“Although there were some minor challenges that day and we were not perfect, I am proud of the girls for pushing through and finishing, and adapting to a new coach,” said Valadez. He is hoping to expand the squad next year. 
“Our sport name is cheerleading, we have to be leaders, not just in the uniform but outside the uniform, and these girls are absolutely living up to my expectations and we look forward to the community’s support during the upcoming basketball season,” said Valadez proudly. 

Pictured Left to Right - Paige Haslett, Jazzlyn Montes, Yoselin Avila, Sandra Einspahr, Coach Marcos Valadez, Emily Pena, Lanee Owens, and Aspen Banning/courtesy photo