SPHS Varsity Cheer Cartwheels Into Fifth-Place Finish At State Competition

On February 27, the 16-member co-ed varsity cheer team from Severna Park High School landed in the top five in the state with a spectacular performance at Harford Community College in Bel Air, Maryland.

“It was the best routine I have ever seen them perform,” said head coach Brooke Glasgow. “When they finished, I told them the only thing I would change would have been to add more time because I wanted the moment to last longer. It was incredible.”

Severna Park unveiled a new routine for states, and Glasgow said the team never competes with the same routine twice. “Since we are constantly pushing the athletes to upgrade their skill sets, we take full advantage and constantly change and upgrade the routine accordingly,” she said. “We pride ourselves in always pushing the team to be their best.”

This year, 131 Maryland teams entered counties. Teams that make it through the county round qualify for the state competition. Anne Arundel County has long boasted some of the most competitive programs represented in the state championship. Glasgow said it is an honor to represent Anne Arundel County and cheer alongside the strong county and state teams.

“The road to the state championships was very exciting,” Glasgow added. “This team has shown tremendous grit and growth this year, posting scores higher than we have ever seen at SPHS.”

But these highly skilled athletes have also suffered injuries that have caused challenges along the road to states. “Every time we are faced with adversity, this team rises to the occasion,” Glasgow said. “They show up and get it done.”

Cheer season begins with tryouts for the fall season in August, and for the winter season in November. Varsity and junior varsity teams cheer sideline for football and basketball games, as well as participate in seasonal competitions. The length of their season is determined by the collective success of multiple teams. And because the Severna Park basketball teams have done so well this season, and the cheer team advanced to the state competition, the athletes enjoyed an extended season this year.

“Some people may say ‘cheer’ isn’t even a sport,” said Syd Henson, a four-year cheer team member. “Something that people don’t realize about cheerleading is how much time, energy and effort you put into this sport. Doing a two-minute-and-30-second routine may not sound or look hard, but tossing girls in the air, throwing multiple tumbling passes, and dancing is powerful.

“Having long practices of doing your routine over and over again so that it can look the best it can is physically and mentally exhausting, but going out on the floor with some of your best friends is what makes cheering worth it.”

After the formal season is over, cheer athletes participate in strength and conditioning in the spring and summer to prepare for the following year. They also take tumbling classes year-round.

“They always exceed my expectations,” Glasgow said. “We have 35 high school athletes who trained six days (a week) since August. It’s a delicate balancing act of being demanding enough to get the results we want but also loving them as kids and making sure it’s fun, so that they want to show up and work for it.

“I think we have done an incredible job keeping them grounded and reaching for the stars,” added Glasgow, who also mentioned that many members of the team hold a 4.0 or higher GPA, participate in the school’s engineering and leadership program, and take honors classes.

Jon Garvey, a senior and varsity football cheerleader, has his sights on collegiate cheer. “I would love to cheer collegiately,” he said. “Going to states was a blast, and I am so thankful I had the opportunity to go in my first cheer season. I love my coaches and I love my team, and I couldn’t have asked for a better season.”

Senior Zana Saab emphasized that cheering has “taught me more than “any other sport could have.”

“In order to persevere, you need teammates and coaches who will be there for you and support you along the way,” Saab said. “No matter how many tears are shed, win or lose, I still love my team and wouldn’t trade the experience I’ve had for anything.”

Senior Claire Procida plans to try out for a college cheer team. “Cheerleading is unique because of its emphasis on synchronized teamwork, trust and the role each member plays in creating a cohesive yet exciting performance,” she said. “All of the teammates have been amazing, truly some of the best people I have ever met. They have pushed me to be the best I can be.”

Incoming freshmen and current students are invited to join the team in spring training. Follow the team at “Severna Park Spirit Teams” on Instagram and Facebook for information.