While many freshmen are involved in one fall sport, Elle Jones divides her time between two cheer teams; she participates on Elkhorn North’s cheer team, as well as club cheer at Elite.
“I practice three times a week at Elite, and we have one high school practice plus football games,” Jones said.
Jones practices with fellow high school cheerleaders at Elite as well. They travel for competitions and work on complex flips and routines. One of her teammates, Julian Newbauer described Elite cheer as a welcoming and competitive environment where both girls enjoy spending their time.
“There’s a pre-team all the way to level 6, and me and Elle are on level 5,” Newbauer said. “For level five we do a lot more tumbling and stunting than at high school because of Nebraska rules.”
Nebraska cheer rules for high school prohibit certain stunts such as Basket and Prep Tosses, as well as Extended Flatbacks and side T- Lifts.
Elite cheer is a very intense program that can make balancing high school cheer and school more difficult.
“Club cheer is really competitive and it takes up a lot of my time because I’m constantly there,” Jones said. “I’ve had to learn to balance my time between school and both cheerleading teams.”
Although juggling her time between the two teams, Jones remains hardworking and dedicated to Elkhorn North’s cheer team. Elkhorn North’s cheer team consists of 21 cheerleaders and two coaches. Being one of four freshmen, Jones’ work ethic and kindness stand out.
“Elle is a joy to be around! She is hard working, kind, and has a can-do attitude. She is a fantastic teammate, someone we can always rely on,” Coach Gabby Schneider said.
Prior to trying out, eighth graders attend a cheer clinic at Elkhorn North. Jones attended North Ridge Middle School for grades seven through eight, so attending school in a brand new and modern building was nothing new for her.
“High school has been pretty similar to middle school,” said Jones. “I just feel more independent.”
Having a sibling at the same school has positively impacted Jones’ experience. Her sister, Sophia, is a junior and she is very involved in tennis. The two are close which benefits their high school experiences.
“I like it because she can show me around, and she knows a lot more about high school than me,” Jones said.
Jones is also involved in student council and in her free time enjoys spending time with her friends.
“So far I have really enjoyed high school cheer and getting to know the other girls on the team,” Jones said. “I’m excited for the rest of the year and high school.”
