The San Benito High School cheerleaders greet incoming freshmen during last week's orientation.
NICK LOVEJOY/Photographer
Expectations are high for the San Benito High School cheerleading squad after the team returned from an annual cheerleading camp draped in ribbons.
The Haybaler varsity, junior varsity and freshman cheer squads captured more than eight first-place titles and had seven members named as all-stars during the Universal Cheerleading Association's four-day camp at the University of California, Davis.
The varsity squad, currently without a coach, brought home trophies, achieved personal bests and came together as a team, according to Baler captains.
The squad was anxious to prove it could overcome not having a coach, according to captains Justine Skull and Lisa Farrotto.
"This is by far the best camp I have ever been to," said Farrotto, a three-year squad member.
It was the senior's fourth year attending, and Farrotto won the jumpoff portion, a title given to the cheerleader with the best jumps. She was also named one of three varsity all-stars on the squad.
"We did great at camp, but there is still room for improvement," said Kelsie Williams, one of four seniors on the varsity squad.
The team is made up of 18 sophomores, juniors and seniors and captured first place in Home Pom, Cheer, Extreme Routine, Camp Champs, Superior Squad and the Leadership award. And multiple "spirit sticks" made San Benito the most decorated varsity squad at the camp of more than 60 schools.
"After varsity didn't get a spirit stick on the first night of camp, Lisa and I knew we had to do better the rest of the week," Skull said.
Skull is an all-star scouted by UCA and was offered a job once she graduates in June, She said she was undecided whether she'll pursue the offer. But her goal for the varsity squad is to be "national material."
Junior Alesa Vargas has been on varsity since her freshmen year and was also named an all-star and scouted by UCA.
SBHS also won the Leadership Award, an honor it last captured in 2000.
All 900 participants at camp voted which team they would prefer to join, if given the choice.
"Getting the Leadership Award was an incredible honor," Farrotto said.
The varsity squad was not the only team to break molds and surpass goals. The junior varsity squad also received high marks.
Former Baler cheerleader and 2003 graduate Leora Barnes coaches the squad of 13.
"I am very proud of my team," Barnes said. "They blew me away when they took the floor."
Three junior varsity cheerleaders, Melissa Lewis, Caitlin Bravo and captain Amanda Aguilar were named all-stars.
As an UCA all-star, cheerleaders are invited to London to take part in a New Year's Parade along with cheerleaders from across the nation.
"All of the SBHS squads are incredible this year," said captain Ashley Amstutz.
The junior varsity squad won Camp Champs, Most Improved JV team, took second place in Cheer, first place in Extreme Routine, superior squad and first place in home pom.
"We hope to grow as a team and support all sports, boys and girls, as best we can," Barnes said.
The freshman squad also did well, and second-year coach Georgia Padilla was impressed with her team.
"Most of these girls only have a few months or a few years of experience," Padilla said.
Th freshman team received Most Improved Freshman Squad, first place in Home Pom and Superior Squad. The squad of 12 had no idea what to expect, according to captain Amanda Mendiola.
"I have been cheering since 1995 and I've always wanted to be a Baler cheerleader," Mendiola said. "I just wanted to do well and bring home some trophies and medals."
"Coach (Randy) Logue, the new athletic director, has done a great job supporting the cheerleaders this year," said Skull. "It's support we've never really had (from athletic directors)."
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