By Samantha Schulz

Every year for the Powder Puff game, people from the senior class can sign up to participate in cheerleading in front of the student section while the seniors play football. Typically, members of the boys’ cross country team volunteer and get to do their own halftime show and learn all the sideline cheers. They wear old cheer uniforms, including the tops, skirts, and bows. 

The coaches this year were senior cheerleaders Evi Fromm, Katie Griffin, Phoebe Bretland, and Isabella Bird. The boys who participated were seniors Connor Spriggs, Hayden Fisher, Zac Hansen, Oliver Alban, Landon Adams, Timmy Roush, Tommy Dickman, Andrew Bruckart, Isaac Casbeer, Ben Downing, Ezra Bozzuto, and Braden Weeks.

The Powder Puff cheer squad had practices a few times a week. The boys learned a halftime dance which included the song “Hotel Room Service” by Pitbull and stunts. After they did the human bowling technique, where they bowled Connor Spriggs into the human pins, they all fell down to the ground.  

“We had to teach them a bunch of material,” said Griffin. “First off we had to teach them jumps and motions and eagle kicks. We learned the fight song, which was rough. And then we started off with chants and crowd involvement cheers, which they love, especially the ‘We Are Bellbrook.’”  

The squad bonded when trying to do the stunts. They learned how to work together and created a sense of teamwork throughout the process. There were two stunt groups and one shoulder sit. They all had to work together in order for the stunts to work out in their halftime dance as well with the pyramid. 

Alban was at the top of the pyramid and one of the main flyers because he was the smallest and lightest. “I think that the future students should absolutely participate,” Alban said. “Powder Puff cheer is a fun activity that strengthens bonds between friends. The activity also helps to show that cheerleading can be a difficult activity that should be respected.”

Connor Spriggs was the main tumbler. He has done gymnastics for six years so he is very experienced.  “I joined the squad because my friends were joining and the Cross Country team seniors usually join it,” Spriggs said. 

 “I feel like the guys have worked really hard and come a long way,” coach Evi Fromm said. “They all wanted to learn and had so much fun with it.”