AGHS Cheerleaders

LITTLEFIELD — For many, cheerleading is all about winning. But for cheerleaders at Ayden-Grifton High School, it’s all about school spirit.

Ayden-Grifton Cheerleading Coach Kim Pollard says her girls try to focus more on being there for the athletic teams than competing. In fact, Pollard says the girls don’t compete at all. The only thing even close to a competition the cheerleaders get to be a part of is the Universal Cheerleading Association, a camp where they spend a big part of the time learning stunts and new cheers with girls from other squads around the area.

“We’re a traditional squad,” Pollard said. “All our emphasis goes to supporting the school and the community. I don’t push the competition thing.”

Pollard, who is in her third year as Ayden-Grifton’s Cheerleading Coach, says she began her coaching career as a temporary job. Pollard cheered for two years in high school and was influenced by teacher Alvin Frazier to take on the coaching role. What turned into temporary has lasted three years for Pollard, something Pollard didn’t expect.

“I fell in love with the girls,” Pollard said.

Now Pollard, who first started off coaching the JV Squad, has moved up and now coaches the Varsity Squad.

Although cheerleading is a 10-month sport at Ayden-Grifton, Pollard says academics is number one in her book and all the girls must keep up good grades to remain on the squad.

“I’m a teacher before I’m a coach,” Pollard said. “I try to work with them the best I can.”

To Pollard and many of the girls, cheerleading is definitely a sport. The girls practice 2-3 times a week during the football season and once a week during basketball season. They have to do exercises, which include a warm-up, light stretching and some running. The girls are also encouraged to do some weight lifting although it is not mandatory.

Pollard says she can understand why some may not see cheerleading as a sport, but as in any other sport, one must be in good shape and able to do the cheers in tune to the other girls. And, Pollard reminds everyone, cheerleading is a letter sport.  

“I think cheerleaders work hard and don’t get the credit they deserve,” Pollard said. “They have to be physically fit, have coordination. Very few athletes at this school could do a 10-month sport and keep grades up and stay interested.”

Cheerleaders are not just responsible for rooting on Ayden-Grifton athletics. They also play an important role in Homecoming week, picking the type of days the school has and organizing the pep rally. The girls also make locker tags for all the Varsity sports and make sure coaches are recognized as well. Pollard says although the girls don’t cheer for all the sports, they try and do something for all the sports, to help boost school spirit.

Along with all the practicing, games, and organizing pep rally’s, the girls also hold fundraisers throughout the year, to raise money for the events they hold for the school. But for the most part, cheerleaders at Ayden-Grifton have a lot of out of pocket expenses, possibly making it the most expensive sport. Pollard averages that each girl spends about $500 a year on various things they are required to buy.

Since Pollard started teaching, and coaching, at Ayden-Grifton, she says interest in cheerleading has increased and is causing her to have to cut girls during try-outs. But other than that, Pollard loves her role as a coach and hopes to continue spreading school spirit throughout the halls of Ayden-Grifton. “They are a good group of girls,” Pollard said.

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