Every Friday night and Saturday morning from late Aug. to Oct., Olentangy Cheerleading takes the stage under bright lights. Their cheers are always in sync, and reflect months of preparation; however, their performances aren’t the only way they shine.

With football season in full swing, the cheerleading team has found ways to incorporate the community into their squad, whether through hosting camps for mini cheerleaders or having middle schoolers cheer alongside them at one of the varsity games.

“The community events most definitely contribute to our closeness with each other as well as the community. Without cheer, I would not feel nearly as connected with our school. I feel that with cheer, I get to meet so many different people I may never have gotten the chance to without it,” Ava Cantrell, junior and Varsity cheerleader, said. 

The cheer team kicked off the season with their Summer Kids Camp, held from July 28 to 30. Participants ranged from ages 5 to 12 and would have the opportunity to learn cheers, chants and dances from Olentangy’s cheerleaders.

“My favorite memory about kids camp was getting to play games with the kids like Little Sally Walker or Do It,” Kallie Pickering, a sophomore on Junior Varsity, said.

Once the season started, Olentangy’s middle schoolers got the chance to see what high school cheer is like. At the homecoming football game on Sep. 19, 8th graders from both Shanahan and Liberty performed with the Varsity and Junior Varsity teams until halftime. The night was a special event for young and experienced cheerleaders alike.

Middle schoolers aren’t the only ones who get the spotlight either. Part of the summer camp experience promised that young campers would get a chance to cheer with Varsity as well, a promise fulfilled at the Varsity football game vs. Thomas Worthington. 

“I thought the performance with the middle school went pretty well, and it was a good opportunity for them to get practice with us, especially if some of them are hoping to cheer next year,” Pickering said. 

Olentangy Cheer has also partnered with and supported the community by selling ads on their posters for various organizations. Establishments they’ve worked with in the past include Tropical Smoothie Cafe, Buffalo Wings and Rings, and Whit’s Frozen Custard. 

Extrinsic support isn’t the only way Olentangy Cheer gets involved in the community either. They’ve also focused on cultivating a sense of community within their team. Through various events, such as pool nights and team bonding during practice, as well as participation in experiences like the Orange Township 4th of July Parade and Tag Day, the team is now closer than ever, allowing them to give back to the community in a cohesive manner. 

Clearly, Olentangy Cheer’s performances aren’t the only thing appreciable about them-hundreds across the community have been impacted by their generosity, a feat many teams can’t say they’ve accomplished. If you want to see all that this group can do, check out their sideline performance at the Varsity game vs. Liberty, Friday at 7 p.m. You can also see their Junior Varsity performance on Saturday at 9:00 a.m. and their Freshman performance on Saturday at 11:00 a.m.