As a method of drawing new members and improving the schedule for off season practice, the cheerleading team recently incorporated green and yellow days into their schedule.
The team has 12 allotted green days for practice during the school year and 10 days over the summer. Green days were originally planned for Mondays, where cheerleaders will work on cheer techniques such as jumping. During yellow days they will also possibly work on strength training.
Sophomore and varsity cheerleader Molly McQueen plans to use yellow and green days to prepare for the upcoming season.
“They are good to keep up your skills over the summer before you try out in August,” McQueen said.
Many new changes will be implemented, including different practice times, a larger coaching staff and fundraising plans to purchase new uniforms.
Freshman cheerleader Kate Carniol sees herself improving with the new schedule and added coaches.
“The new schedule gives me a chance to keep up with my skills and keep a better relationship with the coaches,” Carniol said. “It makes me busier, but it’s worth it.”
The different schedule will not only change practice times, but is also intended to create positive morale in the squad, as well as bring attention to the sport.
“We are hoping that green and yellow days encourage interested cheerleaders to come check out what we are all about,” coach Taylor Ohrwashel said. “We want to increase interest.”
Yellow and green days are commonly used by other sports, but the cheerleading team hasn’t added them to their schedule until now due to inconsistencies with coaches.
The team hasn’t had a returning coach in five years, making schedule changes like this very difficult.
“It’s the first time in a long time Marshall cheer leading has taken a step in the right direction,” McQueen said.