First steps, first falls, first dates, first accidents. Remembering the “first” for an event brings thoughts of joy and sorrow depending on the experience. For Capital High School, 2019-20 will be a year remembered for joy and victory as they reflect on the first cheer State Championship.
Months of hard work and practice paid off February 7, 2020, as the team placed first in the “GameDay Small” 1A/2A/3A WIAA State Cheer competition in Battle Ground. Fifth year Capital head coach J-Lyn Glenn was proud of her team. “Cheerleading is almost year round. Usually by the end of football season, teams get burnt out, but our team this year only got stronger,” Glenn remarked.
Glenn, and her assistant Amanda Ficek, went into the final competition nervous after changing their routine three weeks before the state competition. “We knew we needed something fresh and fun to take to state so we changed the majority of our routine,” said Glenn. The risk paid off as the girls took the floor with extra energy. “They looked like they were having fun, the crowd really got behind them. It was such a proud moment for us.”
Glenn praised the hard work of her team, but also wanted to recognize the support of the Capital family and parents. “We have the best support. Our Athletic Director Steve Taylor is amazing. The boy’s basketball coach Brian Vandiver is awesome, along with the rest of the coaching staff that makes time for us.”
What does it mean to be a high school cheerleader? For Capital cheer, it meant supporting and cheering at varsity events and senior nights for all other sports. Capital cheer also asks its team to support community and other events like Day of Champions and Special Olympics’ Pack the Gym.
“Cheer is so much more than only encouraging at varsity sporting events. We have a group of athletes who love their community and go well beyond school spirit with their drive and academic excellence. I just don’t think many students know how much time they give to support so many events at Capital,” Glenn stated.
For the Cougar 2019-20 cheer team, this season will be one to remember and cherish for a lifetime. “It’s the first state cheer banner for our school and we are just so proud this team could accomplish that for Capital.”
