Chasing a title: Newcomerstown cheer squad named tops in IVC North
Newcomerstown High School Varsity Cheerleaders won first place in the Inter-Valley Conference North Division Cheerleading Competition held recently at Indian Valley High School in Gnadenhutten.
Ashley Duhamel, a Newcomerstown High School graduate and former Trojan cheerleader, has served as head coach of the winning varsity squad since 2017, and during this time has also coached the JV team as well.
“I called Newcomerstown High School a few times prior to 2017 asking them if they were in need of a cheer coach, but the position was always filled," Ashley said. "Then my lucky call happened almost five years ago when I was told the position was open. I jumped at the chance to interview for the job. It was always something I wanted to be a part of. Coaching these girls is just so much fun. I think any coach would agree that coaching is challenging at times, both emotionally and logistically, but at the end of the day, if we weren’t personally invested in our teams or our sport, we wouldn’t be doing it.
"My dream has been to make a positive impact on cheerleading at Newcomerstown High School, and set a new standard. Just because we are a small school and a small team, doesn’t mean we can’t do big things.”
The varsity cheerleaders, Ashley, junior high coach, Haylee Meinhart, as well as volunteers Paige and Bryce Avon have been rehearsing the performance at every practice since November. The cheerleaders began from scratch and explored different routines.
“It was exceptionally challenging because of quarantines and other seasonal illnesses, in addition to injuries and family functions over the holidays," Ashley added. "As cheerleaders, it was imperative to have everyone present, otherwise it is difficult to execute 100% at any given practice. Even one absence can really affect an entire routine. Commitment and dedication to your team is something I advocate to my girls. It’s not about 'you,' it’s about what 'you can do for your team.' Get up, dress up, and show up. And that’s what we did.
"Seeing them win first Place in the North Division IVC Cheerleading Championship makes every speed bump and hiccup along the way worth it. They just had to believe in themselves and put in the hard work and effort. They had to want it. But they had to work for it also. And they did. And now they have the trophy to prove it.”
Duhamel admits she was nervous the day of the competition, but was not about to admit it to the girls. Ultimately, the varsity squad did just what Ashley expected by being focused and confident. The team executed perfectly, as evidenced in being named being named North champions.
After the performance, Duhamel watched the recording, and confirmed they did really well. There was a minor audio issue that the team thought had been ironed out during sound testing, but anything can happen, and usually does in these instances. Other than that, it was agreed by the entire group their routine was clean, sharp, and energetic.
“When the announcer named Newcomerstown as receiving first place, I was just overcome with happiness and excitement," said Ashley. "I saw them out on the floor jumping and hugging each other and I don’t even remember how I got down out of the stands. I was so happy for them. They earned it.”
“We had worked months on our performance and during that time, we put in all we had," said junior team member Olivia Valdez. "We were all brought closer together as a team because we had one common goal. In the end, all of our hard work paid off because there was nothing better than hearing the first-place winner was Newcomerstown. I love my team and coaches, and am so proud of all of us. I am also pleased to be a Trojan cheerleader.”
“We have the best coaches in the world, and they believed in us when we didn’t believe in ourselves," said senior Tayte Bryan. "However, once we arrived at Indian Valley, I knew our performance was going to be different than any other year because we were not nervous, we were excited. Our confidence level has increased over the years, and it was definitely noticeable in our presentation. Winning was so special for the senior cheerleaders as we are going out as champions. It was such a remarkable, yet emotional experience and I am so glad I got to be a part of it.”
“I am so proud of our cheerleading team and their performance Saturday," said Athletic Director Chad Elliott. "I know hard work and many hours were put into their routine over the past several months. They set a goal to bring home a championship for themselves, their coaches, and their school. We are very proud to add our first I.V.C. North Cheerleading Championship trophy to the trophy case. I am excited to see what's in store for this program in the future!"
“We’ve seen consistent improvement over the last four years, and this is something we need to continue working on," said Duhamel, while thanking the parents and coaches associated with the group. "If you want something, there is no easy way to get it. You have to work for it.”
This article originally appeared on The Times-Reporter: Chasing a title: Newcomerstown cheer squad named tops in IVC North
