HomeMy WebLinkAbout0172 Mc.-ia SPoto Cass o f I 160 rleader
wig Caittivi Ec -k ,y o.urrevitc,ieerkader
Maria Spoto, former captain of the 1980 Zephyrhills High School cheerlead-
ing team sat down with Caitlin Eakley, the daughter of 1986 alumni and cheerleader
Lori Grogan. Caitlin, this year's cheerleading captain. and Mrs. Spoto shared their
cheerleading experiences. From cheer squad sizes,crazy traditions, and power-
ful memories to the presence of positivity throughout life,the squad has kept its
main goal of creating a spirited and uplifting school environment.
Spoto and Eakley compared the impact of life lessons learned
throughout cheering, "Positivity and teamwork,"remarked Eakley and, "...
overall outgoing confidence," agreed Spoto. Cheerleading has helped ,
many generations come out of their shells and ignite school spirit. Not . a
only is the school creating a super spirited environment, but the confi- /
dence follows them through life and helps with the decisions that will be '/y
made. " «</// I
They compared traditions that made cheering worthwhile.
"We used to be assigned different players for football and basketball to 0G
cheer up by leaving surprises in their lockers!We also had pep rallies
for every game,even away games!"stated Spoto.While Eakley pointed
out that the cheerleaders today, "...cover the side walks with chalk and
cover the halls of the school with school spirit."Spirit remains the cheer-
leader's
top priority no matter which decade.
A lot of things have changed within the squad. "Back then we
only had 8-10 girls while today there are between 10-15,"pointed out Spo-
to. Squads today not only root on our school football and basketball play-
ers but also cheer competitively unlike in 1980. The competitions require the
cheerleaders to incorporate more than just cheering, but also tumbling, stunts,
and dancing. Cheerleading has really grown into a sport all of its own and many
athletes will not be able to keep up with the changing of the sport but the life lessons
taught will always play a role in the spirit of a cheerleader!
By Victoria Ashmore
W.lloc -,_tetfer Casa o f I `1 L30 wrestler
• witta Step ie vi Cotf"re it c rrevit" wrestles
Wrestling is one of the most challenging sports to be a part of because it is an
individual sport. Stephen Cottrell elaborates, "Win or lose, it's up to you. You can't hide
behind your team on the mat."Wrestling has never been considered a"popular"sport,
and wrestling is a very physical sport.The main goal is to try and dominate your com-
petitor individually, and most people are scared to be in that situation. Wrestling
has overcome some changes since Coach Hochstetler attended Zephyrhills High
School.The differences range from practice locations to team size.
Stephen Cottrell, who has been wrestling since 2007 in the heavy-
weight class, explained his team of about 32 students practice in their new
wrestling room. Back in the 80's, when Hochstetler wrestled in the middle-
weight class, his team of only 15 people started practice right after school in
• �,� the top level of the gym. Another difference deals with the debate about girls
participating in wrestling.In Hochstetler's days,girls were not allowed to com-
pete in the sport. This has changed today. Hochstetler states, "It's a no win
situation for the guy that has to wrestle a girl. You either are known for the
I Rguy that beat a girl or the guy that got beat by a girl,"and suggests schools
should create an all girls wrestling team so everyone feels comfortable with
no reason to hold back.
Wrestling is a very dangerous sport if you do not know what you are
doing. Some of the illegal moves consist of the belly to back suplex, key lock,
and any move that takes place across the throat. Back in the 80's,when Hoch-
stetler wrestled in the middleweight class, wrestlers could be a little more violent
than they can now-a-days. For example,wrestlers could"wind up"before proceed-
ing with a move. It is understandable as to why people may be scared to wrestle
when Cottrell mentions that while he has been competing, he has broken his hand in
two places.When Hochstetler wrestled he also suffered from injuries such as a separated
shoulder.
By Chellsey Barnett
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