Wayyy back when in junior year.

You have to use your head not your pompoms to write a good co-captain essay.

Co-Captain Position

12/4/2011

Turkeyfoot Valley Area High School Cheerleader

Number 30

Screaming fans, cheerleaders cheering, the smell of hot dogs, chicken patties, nachos, candy bars, lollipops, spilt drinks, and the tension between the rivals. You are at the game, there is less than a minute, and the score is tied. The referees are not helping matters by giving bad calls against us. Now the opposing team has the ball and all you hear are the home fans screaming about getting the ball and making the final score to show them "who is boss." Finally, we get the ball off of them. We start to cheer them up the court as they score the winning basket as the final buzzard rings. We won the game and are now celebrating. This is what we do to keep everyone on top and spirits up when everyone is about to give up.

The bodysuits, bows, glitter, pompoms, spankies, uniforms, and knowing a few simple cheers does not make you a co-captain. It’s the dedication, hard work, compassion, responsibility, along with being mature, fair and impartial, helpful and friendly, and keeping your peers cheerful--even when you’re losing. You have to be able to encourage, not just your team and squad, but your fans alongside you as you sit in the bleachers and cheer. The co-captain is one of the most important aspects of a cheerleading squad aside from the official captain. A captain and co-captain can make or break a team.

Why are captains and co-captains important? You need a leader who is willing to step up and take responsibility. They have to be ready to do anything for the team. Sacrificing any extra time, or anything for the team is important. You have to have dedication no matter the sacrifices you have to give up. You have to be able to start practices, know when to call the right cheers, organize the locker sign list, help organize and run fundraising events (like our soup dinner and bake sale, along with the pizza sells), help with publicity and advertising, help solve conflicts, be able to communicate with the coaches, and most of all, be able to communicate with the squad in a professional way by setting aside all drama and conflicts that may come up. The co-captain has to be ready to step up at anytime to take control when the captain is unable to be there for whatever reason. You have to be able to get along with the captain and know your boundaries you have so you do not over step. A co-captain is just as important as the actual caption--you work as a team and do what is best for the team.

Cheering for three years now, I have never missed a game, practice, or pep rally. I keep my grades as high as possible. Grades are a big part of the first step. Grades are always first and we do anything we can to make sure we have ours high and acceptable. Every year I give it 110% effort to all of my classes. Every game, every practice, and every pep rally I come out with no voice, tired, sore and with a smile. I give it my all whether it is just simple basing, yelling, running, cheering, or just teaching the freshman something they may not know or need help with. When I come to practice, I walk in and leave all of my personal feelings and any drama in my life at the door and get down to business. I want to make sure we get done what we need to. We have to make sure everyone knows the cheers, the steps, the stunts, and their place. We are like a family--when one person is hurt or is unable to be there, we all hurt. I take the time to do things right, and if they aren’t done right, I take the time to fix it. Growing up I was taught to work hard for what I want and never give up no matter how hard the fight can be. I learned at a young age you have to do it yourself to make sure it’s right. I want to be able to share everything I know and help others proceed. I want to be able to make sure we get everything done when the captain isn’t there, I don’t want them to have to worry. I want them to trust me to lead the squad as if they were with me. I want to be able to make sure all the work is done and not make everyone worry about what needs done next and how we won’t be able to get it done. When I set my mind on something I don’t give up. I want to make sure we cheer loud and proud. People won’t be able to say we don’t give it our all. I want to make the squad the best and make sure people know us for miles around.

Being a the co-captain is one of the most important jobs on the squad and I’m ready to prove to everyone that I have what it takes to make help make us the best we can be.

-Number 30