Cheer Team starts tryouts

Though other teams around Phillips County started their practices on Monday, December 7, the Malta Cheer Team got going a little sooner, hosting tryouts for the tournament team almost one week sooner, starting on Tuesday, December 1.

Phillips County News caught up with seniors Kailee Crowder and Celine Crasco, who will be in their fourth year of Malta Cheerleading this winter.

"It feels good," Crowder said. "We are starting to get ready for tryouts this week."

The team had 11 students out to join the team this season, each hoping to make the team despite the constant threat of COVID-19 shutting sports down. The duo was asked what it would mean to be able to cheer for one more season.

"It would mean a lot because it is my last year and I really want to do it," Crowder said.

"It's our senior year and one of the years that we will remember most," Crasco said.

Crasco is a flyer for the M-ettes, while Crowder is used as a base, and flyer depending on the stunt.

Crowder admitted that she has a fear of heights, so she flies sparingly.

"It's scary but you get used to it," Crasco said. "Really you just have to trust your teammates. You have to rely on them to catch you."

Cheerleading is a sport filled with athletes, that lift weights, stunt, run, and fly across the gym floor during sporting events. Crowder and Crasco were asked about their workout regiment.

"We do a lot of ab workouts because you have to keep your core tight," Crasco said. "We also work on arms and legs."

"We run sometimes," Crasco added. "It (stinks)."

This season, the cheer team is not immune to the rule changes due to COVID-19. The team has been directed to maintain social distance as much as possible, as well as wear masks as they stunt and attend games.

"It makes it more difficult," Crasco said. "Because there is a lot of communication and the mask prevents that."

While everyone who tries out will make the cheer team, only eight will be able to attend the tournament team.

"Everyone has a fair chance but we have a lot of returning cheerleaders," Crasco said.

Crowder was asked how their first practice went on Monday, December 1.

"It went good but it made me really sore," Crowder said.

Crasco said that it went well for her. as well.