Erin Wright is the co-head coach of the cheerleading program at North. Wright has coached cheerleading for three years at North as the freshman/sophomore squad coach and co-head coach.

Wright said a girl has to be academically eligible to make the squad.

“Then they have to make the squad based upon a tryout,” Wright said. “The teacher and coach’s evaluations are taken into consideration and figured into the tryout score.”

Wright said although not required, previous skill would increase a girls chance of making the squad.

“Any prior cheer experience or practice with dance, jumps and motions help greatly,” Wright said. “More importantly, with commitment and dedication most of the skills in cheer can be taught.”

Wright said the experience levels of the girls range.

“Some of the girls have been cheering since they were very young and have cheered ever since they got to North,” Wright said. “Some girls are brand new to cheerleading at North this year. With commitment and dedication we can help the girls bridge experience gaps and develop excellence in the team as a whole.”

Junior Camille Sudekum has cheered for three years. She said she loves every aspect of being a cheerleader.

“I love the feeling you get when you put in your uniform and perform,” Sudekum said. “Knowing that you totally nailed a stunt or dance is really my favorite part.”

Wright said practices are used to work on the girls’ skills and upcoming performances.

“We work on conditioning, proper form and technique of stunts,” Wright said, “motions, jumps and preparing any routines for upcoming performances, such as assemblies, games or camp.”

Wright said she has one goal for the season.

“Developing excellence in our squad,” Wright said, “not only in regards to preparing to perform but also in the character of the girls on our squads.”

Sudekum said there is more to cheerleading than people think.

“You have to realize that it is so much more than putting on a skirt and smiling,” Sudekum said. “It is a commitment and it takes just as much time and effort as any other sport at North. You have to be ready to work hard, and play hard.”