Next year’s cheer squad selected

By John Earp

The Jal High School Cheerleading Squad was recently selected after trying out for the coveted positions. Cheer Coach Katia Martinez said, “We have less than last year, since we did do tryouts, but we will have 15.” Martinez said the girls were judged on their knowledge of the cheers, making sure they learned the material in the three-day span, sharpness, and enthusiasm mostly, and a lot of attitude as well.” The cheer squad will be at all of the home games and some of the away games for football and basketball. The team will also be competing next year regionally with other cheer squads. The squad has two seniors this year and one freshman, with the rest being sophomores and juniors.

Next year will be Martinez’s third year as the head cheerleading coach at Jal High School. She says, “I both grew up and cheered here. My coach taught me a lot about cheerleading, as well as life. I wanted to make sure I passed that down to my girls. My purpose is to of course make them the best athletes they can be, but also to build strong character, respect, and responsibility as they grow into adulthood. This year, I’m blessed to have 15 young ladies: two of them being seniors. I’m so excited to see what’s in store for JHS cheerleading! Here’s to many more years!”

Girls who made the squad are: Odaliz Mendoza, Ruby Gallegos, Anjelica Alvarado, Jaden Mendoza, Yazmin Perez, Issela Mendoza, Amyrra Stone, Aulani Méndez, Yaracely Juarez, Janice Ramirez, Emery Melancon, Elizabeth Lujan, Betsy Villanueva, Yahaira Amaro, Evelyn Munoz.