On September 4, 2024, Pittsburg High School’s cheer team visited Chanute, Kansas to attend a cheer clinic hosted by KSHSAA at Chanute High School.

This was PHS’ first time attending a clinic like this, and a first for second year cheerleader and sophomore Ellie Carper.

“My favorite part of the cheer clinic would have to be stunting because even though I may not be the best at it, everyone was so positive and helpful when I made mistakes,” Carper said. “They taught us lots of new stunts and I can’t wait to do them for games.” 

PHS’ cheer team is led by coach Jessica Stegman. This will be Stegman’s fourth year of coaching cheer and second year as head coach of PHS’ cheer team.

“My favorite part of being the cheer coach is watching the girls interact with the student body,” Stegman said. “It’s not easy getting in front of your peers and staying positive, but it’s their job to keep the crowd up even when the athletic event may not be going our way.”

This year there have been many new additions made to the cheer team, over half the team are new members. According to senior Akela Hawkins the cheer clinic was the perfect event for team bonding and getting to know the new members.

“We have a lot more new people than returners which has been fun but also challenging just teaching everyone the cheers and chants,” Hawkins said, “Overall it’s been really fun. We actually recently went to a cheer camp and it was so fun we all got along and there was some team bonding for sure.” 

The clinic was led by Universal Cheer Association (UCA) staff. It was there where PHS’ cheerleaders learned new chants, cheers, sideline dances, and proper stunt techniques.

“My favorite part of the day was watching the girls’ stunt,” Stegman said. “Many of them have never stunted before or are with new stunting partners, it requires them to build trust quickly with each other to stay safe. They were willing to try new things and not get frustrated when something didn’t go right the first time.”

Although the cheer season has just begun, according to Carper she feels as though this season will be very positive and fun.

“The cheer clinic we went to today was really fun, me and the girls really enjoyed it,” Carper said. “There were so many kind people from different schools across Kansas and it was a very positive environment. The coaches were really upbeat and supportive. They taught us lots of new things and I really hope we can go next year!”

Many of the new dances, cheers, chants, and stunts will be incorporated into PHS cheer’s routines, specifically the stunts that they learned will be showcased at basketball games in the winter. 

“I think my favorite part of the cheer camp was being able to pick up new things and get new stunts,” Hawkins said. “Seeing girls who had never stunted before do really good and get more confidence in themselves that was really cool to see and witness on their faces.”