RHS Cheer Placed at Nationals
Our cheer team recently competed at Nationals and placed third at State. “The Orange R” had the opportunity to interview team member Kalaya McCurry about the experience.
When reflecting on her initial arrival, McCurry shared that she felt “really excited and nervous at the same time.” She admitted she was concerned about becoming overwhelmed by the crowd and bright lights, fearing she might forget parts of the routine. At the same time, she was energized by being in a new environment, meeting new people, and experiencing the encouragement from those around her.
When asked how she felt the team performed, McCurry responded positively. “I think we did really well,” she said. “We’ve done better before, but considering the last minute changes and the large crowd, we gave it 100 percent. In the end, we earned our blue jackets like we’d hoped for, and we’re very proud of the hard work and dedication we put into the routine we performed on the JAMZ mat.”
Although the team did not hold an official celebration, McCurry described a joyful atmosphere afterward. “When we went back to our rooms, we were all smiling, cheering, and talking about how amazing it was to receive the JAMZ jackets that the returners from last year had been talking about all season.” Their excitement reflected the dedication and commitment they brought to the competition.
Looking ahead, McCurry believes the team’s success will positively impact its future. “I think it shows how much hard work and dedication Julie put into making us a strong team,” she said. “We’ll probably have more new members joining, and hopefully this gives us the confidence boost we need for next season. I’m also hoping Julie takes us to Nationals again next year so we can defend our title.”
McCurry also shared insight into her mindset while performing. Typically, she says she “blanks out” during routines and relies on muscle memory, only recalling moments if she made a mistake. However, Nationals was different. She described being fully aware during the performance. “I remember looking at the lights and everyone’s parents in front of me. I saw all my coaches cheering their hearts out, and I noticed how big the arena was. It was a really fun, scary, and exciting experience, and I hope we get to do it again.”
The team’s experience at Nationals not only highlighted their hard work but also set a strong foundation for the future of the program.