Kamloops has something to cheer about

For several years cheerleading, a sport that combines athleticism, teamwork and spirit, has been absent from the school sports scene in Kamloops (Tk’emlúps). Until recently, Freeze Athletics and the Thompson Rivers University (TRU) Wolfpack Cheerleaders were the only outlets for Kamloopsians to participate in the sport. As a result, students with a passion for cheerleading were left without an avenue to pursue their interests in their schools. 

Cheerleading was in Kamloops schools until the late 1990s but was removed due to safety and liability issues, and a lack of certified coaches to teach gymnastics and tumbling units in physical education.

Recently, Westsyde Secondary School, Kamloops School of the Arts and Valleyview Secondary School have taken the initiative to reintroduce cheerleading to their campuses, providing students with a unique opportunity to showcase their talents and foster a sense of community.

Westsyde Secondary School takes the lead

Westsyde Secondary School was the first to reintroduce cheerleading in the 2022-2023 school year. 

Recognizing the benefits of the sport, Nadine Arkell, a TRU Wolfpack Cheerleading captain, along with Adrianna Wiseman, a former TRU Wolfpack cheerleader and current coach in training for the Wolfpack, worked closely with interested students to establish a cheerleading program. 

Arkell and Wiseman chose Westsyde Secondary for the school’s strong athletics department, and together, they developed a program that aims to provide students with the opportunity to try something new and experience cheer.

The program, which focuses on competitive and scholastic cheer, is open to anyone, regardless of experience. They hope to see the program grow and have the team become involved in more events and performances, including sideline cheering at games.

“Don’t be afraid to try something new! I never expected that cheer would come to mean so much to me,” Arkell tells The Wren. “You don’t need any experience to try out for cheer, and our doors are always open! Train for it! There’s more to cheer than dancing and cheering – [there’s] stunting and tumbling, which are very physically demanding. Strength and conditioning will help prepare you for success in this sport. Always smile! Cheer is a performance sport, so ensure you’re confident and smiling.”

“My best advice is to put yourself out there and let your personality shine; don’t be afraid to stand out,” Wiseman says.

Kamloops School of the Arts sets the stage and introduces cheer 

In the 2023-2024 school year, Kamloops School of the Arts (KSA) also embraced cheerleading. Known for its emphasis on creativity and expression, the school saw cheerleading as an opportunity to enhance its vibrant arts community further. 

Under the direction of Grade 5 teacher Brittany Zettergreen, who is also the director of the KSA Dance Squad, KSA students eagerly embraced the chance to combine their artistic talents with the athleticism and teamwork required in cheerleading.

Out of all the cheerleading teams, the KSA Nova cheer team is the only elementary team with students in Grades 5-7. Currently, the team actively contributes to school spirit by performing at pep rallies and recognition assemblies, and will soon be cheering at their school’s sports games. A highlight for the team was showcasing their talents at the Freeze Athletics Winter Showcase.

“Participating in our school cheer program goes beyond sideline support; it involves being leaders and role models, showcasing various skills and traits,” Zettergreen writes in an email. “While our team requires physical skills for stunting, jumping, and tumbling, cheer also instills discipline, teamwork, and goal setting. It serves as an excellent model for learning collaboration, cooperation, and compromise, embodying KSA’s STAR matrix of safety, teamwork, accountability and respect.”

The sentiment among the students was clear: they felt a sense of pride and community, with increased support and confidence in their school and school athletes. School spirit and teamwork were the main takeaways for the students involved with the new cheerleading program at KSA.

“Performing can be hard, but you are not alone,” Piper, a Grade 7 student says. “You are part of a team; you have to push through your nerves and keep going.”

Valleyview Secondary School joins in the fun 

More recently, Valleyview Secondary School (VSS) joined the cheer and the fun by adding cheerleading to their school community. 

Melanie Gregg, the vice-principal at VSS, who was once a high school cheerleader herself, saw what Westsyde Secondary School was doing and was inspired to start their own program.

Coached by Bella Ferster and Annie Butcher, both prior TRU Wolfpack cheerleaders, the Valleyview Vikes cCheerleading squad can be seen cheering at VSS basketball games and performing at school assemblies. They have also set a goal of attending the BC Cheer Competitions in the 2024-2025 season. 

Ferster and Butcher are both very passionate about cheerleading as a sport itself, as well as school spirit, and hope to bring cheer to other schools in the district. 

A favorite memory is their very first performance at the VSS “Vikes Day” assembly.  Ferster recalls how much pride it brought to her watching them perform after working so hard on their routine and hearing the loud response of the crowd.  

 “I believe cheerleading is the glue that brings all the students and athletes together,” she says. “Cheerleading can bring enthusiasm, school spirit and a sense of community to a school. It fosters teamwork and discipline and contributes to a positive and supportive atmosphere. Additionally, it often promotes physical fitness and leadership skills among participants!” 

When The Wren asked what she would say to other schools hoping to add a cheer program of their own, Melanie Gregg gave this advice: “Keep things simple and low-key. Make sure you have a certified coach if you will be stunting or tumbling (university squads often have members who are willing to volunteer for this). Work with your school’s Athletics Department, School Spirit Committee, or Parent Advisory Committee to create manageable schedules and cover costs. Most importantly, have fun!”

More cheer to come?

The reintroduction of cheerleading in Westsyde Secondary School, KSA and VSS breathes new life into Kamloops’ school sports scene and wider school community. As the cheerleading programs continue to grow and thrive, coaches hope that more schools in Kamloops will follow suit, allowing even more students to experience the many benefits of this dynamic and exciting sport.