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... - Football - Fall 2009 Preview - Harvest Christian League

Sunday, Sep. 06, 2009

2009 Football Preview: Must-see cheerleaders

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Don't you dare tell Cheyenne Bueno that she isn't an athlete, just because she isn't on a field.

The Orestimba High senior is every bit as athletic as the tailback breaking off a touchdown run and the blitzing cornerback sacking the quarterback.

The four-year cheerleader is fearless on Friday nights, sailing through the air without the benefits of pads or a helmet.

And she's not alone, either. The Stanislaus District is full of girls launched into the air, confident their teammates will catch them before they hit the dirt.

It's what makes them a team, from the bases who do the heavy lifting to the fearless flyers who risk life and limb to put on a great show.

1. Ripon Indians

The Indians say their is strength in numbers, so they bring their 14 varsity and 10 JV cheerleaders out for the halftime show, using all 24 to build pyramids and other formations. Seniors Kaitlyn Williams and Kate Ballatore, the four-year cheerleaders, work with adviser Alisha Wilks to relay information. Don't miss Marissa McLeod's tumbling routine at halftime. A great thing is the girls choreograph their dances and then teach their teammates. Then there are the stunts: "One group performs a beautiful scorpion," Wilks says. Be sure to throw out a cheer to Alicia McPherson and Cassie Curatolo, as both mascots created their own uniforms.

2. Orestimba Warriors

Orestimba has gone co-ed this season, with Kahua Moore, Fransisco Navarrete and Ricardo Maldonado -- all JV football players -- joining the 20 girls.

"The boys are a great asset to our stunt team," says adviser Ronda Mar. "The boys will play in the JV game, then meet with us. They now understand how difficult cheerleading can be."

Captains Vanessa Sterling, Janae Grieb and Brooke Zarriello make sure everyone is in their place, and Brooke's contagious spirit helps maintain a high energy level. The "season" began in April with tryouts, and the girls cheer through basketball season. They practice five days a week, including summer.

"My flyers do a great job," says Mar, noting Sterling, Zarriello, Bueno and Katrina Leu all take flight. "It takes a whole group to (be) successful. Bases and back spots are just as important."

Like most cheerleaders, these girls are physically and financial invested: It costs about $1,400 a season for uniforms, camps, etc.

3. Riverbank Bruins

There is no "class distinction" at Riverbank, as adviser Emily Herrera -- a former Raiderette -- has her 12 varsity and nine JV girls perform dances, cheers and stunts as a group. Once they're on the field, it's up to captains Kristal Navarrette, Mary Shakoour and Maricruz Saldivar to keep things going.

"Kristal is sort of the main captain (over the varsity and JV squads)," Herrera says, "due to her tireless effort."

Be sure to see the Bruinettes this fall, Herrera adds, because they've got a gymnast who does amazing tumble-runs and is an excellent flyer.

"Our stunts are unique and have a high level of difficulty, but we are able to do this because there are several returning veterans," Herrera says. "An important thing is we are from a small community, yet consistently are awarded top awards at cheer camp and are respected in our region as a solid squad who will come out with a top-notch performance."

4. Modesto Panthers

Being selected to cheer at Modesto High means more than learning routines and having a loud voice.

"The important thing one should know about the cheer squad is (it) has several traditions," adviser Monica Dominguez says. "Some of our traditions are Fight School, the Victory Bell, the Bunny Hop and Our School Hymn."