Cresco Cheerleading

By Rachel Riley

TPD Editor

 

   CRESCO – Cheerleading in Cresco continues to be a vibrant expression of community spirit and athleticism, offering invaluable opportunities for young athletes. With three cheer programs—Cresco Youth Cheerleading (CYC), Crestwood Middle School Cheer, and Crestwood High School Cheerleading—children are discovering significant benefits, including teamwork, discipline, and personal growth as they participate in this exciting sport.

   Cheerleading through the years has changed tremendously. It began with men at the University of Minnesota yelling at athletic events with a megaphone to support their team, and has since evolved into a unisex sport that you can find in schools and communities across the country. What started as simply yelling from the stands has transformed into cheerleaders taking center stage, whether on the field, the court, or even on ESPN, competing in high-stakes events. Like any other sport, cheerleading requires hours of commitment and practice, reflecting the dedication of its athletes.

   The roots of cheerleading in Cresco can be traced back to the 1920s when the Howling Hundred, a spirited pep club, was established. This enthusiastic group was pivotal in fostering school pride, and its legacy has endured through the decades, inspiring today's programs to encourage youth to build essential skills that will serve them both on and off the field. In the 1928 Cresco High School yearbook it describes the Howling Hundred as a club that, “Has charge of assemblies” and also speaks about remembering the night before an Osage football game when some girls dressed up in football outfits. Going back even further to the 1924 Cresco High School yearbook about the Howling Hundred it states, “The climax of the season was reached at the Rochester game when with the local team getting off to a poor start the Howling Hundred stood up and simply demanded a victory. As a means of instilling and perpetuating pep the Howling Hundred is a wonderful organization. Long may it live and increase in power in Cresco High”. And increase in power it has… to three strong teams throughout the city.

   CYC, catering to students in grades 1-6, provides a foundation for young cheerleaders to learn the basics—cheers, chants, and choreography—while also developing rhythm and coordination. Skye Meinecke-Himli, the CYC Cheer Coach, expresses her passion for guiding youth through this journey: “My hope is I leave a lasting impression on these girls that they are capable of going in front of a crowd and doing hard things. My goal is to foster a safe space for each and every youth cheerleader so that they feel comfortable in their own skin during a time in their lives that can be uncomfortable due to so many factors. I love sharing my love of this sport with the younger generation and I hope that they can love it as much as I do and continue cheering as long as they are able.”

   Transitioning to Crestwood Middle School Cheer, athletes in grades 7-8 engage in a more structured environment that emphasizes teamwork, time management, and perseverance. The middle school program instills not just cheer fundamentals but also important life skills. Cheerleaders learn how to rely on each other and work together towards common goals, fostering a sense of camaraderie that lasts beyond their time in the program.

   With Crestwood High School Cheerleading, the evolution of skills continues as the athletes are challenged to master complex routines and stunts that demand rigorous discipline and dedication. Kalley Cunningham, the high school cheer coach, highlights the nature of the sport, emphasizing the overall character development it fosters: “I expect a lot from my cheerleaders. I expect them to show respect in the classroom, to their peers and opposing teams, even if they don’t receive it in return. I expect them to cheer loud with a smile on their face even during a downpour. I expect them to cheer at away playoff football games even if they have to get right back on the bus to drive into the early hours of the morning to compete the next morning. I expect them to put in the work inside and outside of practice to be good athletes and stand-up people. I expect a lot from my athletes because I know they’re fully capable. Plus, we get to have a lot of fun along the way!” She also adds, “Cheer builds a strong work ethic, increases confidence, and creates relationships that will outlast high school. My prayer as a coach is that cheerleaders on my team leave as better people and athletes than when they arrived. If I can influence my cheerleaders for the better—inside of cheer or out—then I’ve done my job.”

   Kelli Gosch, the middle school cheerleading coach, underscores the importance of cheerleading beyond its traditional perception: “Cheerleading is a crucial part of sports. In fact, cheerleading is a sport. There are so many physical aspects of cheerleading that even the strongest, most dedicated traditional athletes cannot do. Just like any other athletic program, cheerleading teaches confidence, leadership, teamwork, time management, resilience, pride, perseverance, strength, empathy, cooperation, responsibility, goal setting, follow-through, mental and physical discipline. Win or lose, a cheerleader is always there, keeping spirits high and pumping others up, encouraging the community to get loud for our team.”

   Cheerleaders are often regarded as the heartbeat of school spirit, energizing teammates and fans alike during sporting events. Their enthusiasm has the power to uplift everyone in attendance, creating an electric atmosphere that fosters community support. They are truly the ambassadors of their school or program and with that comes a lot of responsibility. 

   Families are encouraged to consider enrolling their children in these cheerleading programs, which not only cultivate athletic skills but also help forge lasting friendships  cand create lifelong memories. There is a strong call for new participants to join every season, making cheerleading more accessible to all including those who have never cheered before, even for the older Middle and High School teams.

   Community events and performances provide cheerleaders with the opportunity to showcase their hard work, further strengthening the bonds within Cresco. Just take this in mind; Cheerleading is a sport and there is nothing saying you can’t go to a game to watch them, so come on out! Right now, you can find cheerleaders at most football games happening across the City. This collaborative environment invites everyone to come out and experience the thrill of cheerleading and maybe even relive some past memories of your own.

   Cheerleading in Cresco embodies a commitment to personal growth, teamwork, and community spirit. So, let’s cheer for our cheerleaders, celebrating both their achievements and the vibrant spirit they bring to the Cresco community!