Delaney Riley is a senior on the varsity cheerleading team. This interview for Nook News has been edited for length and clarity.
Q: When did you start cheer and why?
A: I started cheer in fourth grade after seeing the cheerleader at my brother’s football games, and I immediately knew it was what I wanted to do.
Q: Why is cheer important to you?
A: Cheer is important to me because I feel we all support each other so much and it’s just overall a great environment.
Q: What position are you in stunting, and what do you like about it?
A: I’m a backspot, and I like feeling in control of a stunt.
Q: What is one goal you have for this year?
A: My goal is to compete my full at state.
Q: What will it take to accomplish this?
A: I will take tumbling pass classes to accomplish my goal.
Q: What is your favorite tumbling pass?
A: My favorite tumbling pass is a standing tuck.
Q: What is one thing you are looking forward to this year?
A: I am looking forward to seeing our competition choreography.
Q: What is your favorite part about performing?
A: My favorite part about performing is the feeling of hitting zero and the adrenaline rush.
Q: What do you like about your Homecoming halftime routine?
A: It has lots of visuals and is very flashy unlike some of our other routines in the past.
Q: What traits do you think you need to be a cheerleader?
A: In order to be a cheerleader you need to have spirit, determination, and a good attitude.
Q: What advice would you give to someone who is just starting cheer?
A: The advice I would give someone starting cheer is to just know that even if you don’t have many skills you can only get better just keep working for what you want.
Q: How do you feel about being a senior?
A: Being a senior is bittersweet. I’m ready for the next chapter of my life but high school will always have a special place in my heart. The years truly fly by.
Q: What is your favorite cheer memory?
A: My favorite cheer memory was winning sectionals my sophomore year, that same year we also made it to day 2 of state.
