Cheer teams work hard and invest a lot of time so that they can be at their best whenever they cheer. Whether they are in a cheer competition or cheering on the sidelines of a football or basketball game, they always want to be ready. Laramie Sasser is the coach of the Perkins-Tryon cheer team and her squad has the awards to show for their hard work. 

“We have won National Cheer Association best team spirit, a bid to Nationals, and we have two All-American cheerleaders all this year.”

Madi Kastl is a captain of the team and she says that she likes being a cheerleader alongside her friends. 

“What I enjoy most is being able to put myself out there and getting out of my comfort zone,” she said. “I also just love the environment. I also have some great teammates. We are all able to work together and we have all gotten so close. I truly appreciate every single one of them and am so lucky.”

Sasser, who is in her first year at Perkins-Tryon but has coached six years overall, says that her squad is not afraid of going after what they want. 

“Our biggest strength has to be our ambition,” she stated. “Everyone on our team has set high goals this year and will do anything to reach them.”

Aaliyah Machuca is the other captain of the team and she is thankful for the opportunities that she has had because of cheer.

“One thing I enjoy most about the team is being able to meet new people and create new friendships with the girls,” she said. “This team is my family. Also, I love to cheer with the student section and the crowd and seeing little girls look up to me. It is really special.”

Along with cheering together, Sasser says that the team enjoys bonding with each other as well. 

“Each year, we have an annual Midnight Madness game at Perkins,” the coach said. “We always cheer on the sidelines from midnight to 2:00 AM and then have a giant sleepover and pool party together.”