Cowhide is special for everyone in many different ways. A chance to show school pride, an opportunity for possible recruiting, or simply a night to hang out with friends in costumes and food. Such an amazing night must always come to an end, and it is that time for our seniors. Five Senior Varsity Cheerleaders explain what it is like for them to uphold such a game.
By Tomnia Valentine
18 senior girls, thousands impacted.
Varsity Cheer is run by four amazing coaches who work day and night in hopes of a successful cheer team.
Varsity Cheer performs, dances, and cheers at various events throughout the year. But cheer is not just a time to perform at a game; it is something different for each person.
Autumn Flores, ’27, said, “My favorite memories always come from camp because we are driving overnight and spending a couple of days together, so it just feels like a big sleepover that we get to have fun bonding at.”
“After high school, I am planning to go to a four-year college to become a teacher. I have been cheering for about 8 years; I was on JV my freshman year and Varsity every other year”, Flores said.
Jillian Craycraft, ’27, said, ” To me, it means that all of my hard work and dedication is being shown and that I can show my last halftime to everyone, and I am really grateful that I get to go out there and put my all into this, one last time.”
In any scenario, memories are made. From double-decker bus fun to giggles and choreo mishaps, each situation becomes significant for all.
Zamaria Lee, ’27, who wishes to become a Forensic Psychologist, said, “Honestly, it means everything to me, being at Redwood for four years and it being the last cowhide. I am super excited, but I am also pretty sad. This season I feel different because I am a senior, but also the bond of the team, us always laughing and giggling, it just really makes me feel different.”
To succeed in anything, it takes practice, a commitment that others may not understand if they were not put in that position. Missing a party or not hanging out with the crowd on a Friday Night Game changes everything.
Tysie Tisthammer, ’27, said, “Since it will be my last performance at a football game, it is really going to feel like this is the one that really counts because of how important it will be now that it is over. I am super sad that there is no more high school cheer, but I am also excited to move on. I have been cheering since freshman year, but I have been dancing for 14 years, and now that it is done, everything just changed.”
With college in mind, Varsity Cheer members keep up with grades, social lives, and, of course, their future.
Craycraft said, “Knowing this is my final year, it feels really bittersweet because I love cheer so much and [it] became a really big part of my high school life, so I am really happy it is my last time, but I am also really sad.”
“I have been cheering for four years. I was on JV my first two years and Varsity my last two. After high school, I plan to go to college, whether that is a UC or just COS for two years, then transfer to a UC. If I do end up going to COS, I would like to be on their cheer team”, said Craycraft.
This final season represents both a pinnacle of hard work and the end of an era.
Celeste Urtez, ’27, “Learning all of the new material with everyone is always really fun. I am very sad that high school is over, but I am glad that it is going down like this. I feel like this season is more important because it is my last. I plan to go to COS and then transfer to Fresno Pacific, majoring in Nursing.”
The effortless synchronization seen on game days is the result of years spent perfecting stunts, nursing injuries, and pushing past physical limits.
Flores said, ” Cowhide is always really fun, but this year especially because it is my senior year. I feel like it will be more hype and engaging. I also believe we are really going to have fun with it and perform to our best abilities.”
They have spent their high school careers cheering for everyone else’s victories; now, it’s time for them to chase their own. The lights in the stadium will eventually dim, but the standard they set will keep the program glowing for seasons to come. Congratulations to the Class of 2027 on their journey, struggle, growth, and change at Redwood High School.
Tomnia Valentine
Tomnia Valentine is a freshman sports journalist. She is on the freshman cheer team and is currently dancing at a local studio. Tomnia is most looking forward to interviewing players and feeling proud after every finished story.
Tags: cheer seniors, cowhide, redwood gigantea, redwood high school, redwood sports, rhs, senior night, visalia ca
