Gilmer High was one of 32 teams in attendance at last week’s state cheerleading competition.
The event was held at the Macon Coliseum Tuesday, and GHS scored 60 points to finish in the middle of the pack in 16th.
Head coach Naomi Esparza discussed Gilmer’s state finals performance, which capped a season plagued by COVID-19.
“We didn’t do as well as we anticipated,” she said. “Of course, scores will usually shift down at state, and that’s pretty typical to have scores that fluctuate all season and then your region and state scores are lined up a little more closely.
“We had some timing issues and some things that came down early. Even with a veteran team, this year has been so strange. It being a new experience for a lot of the girls, it was nerve-racking for them.”
GHS began the season with a routine that consisted of 15 cheerleaders on the competition floor. Injuries and quarantine trimmed that number to 11 by season’s end.
“I’ve never had a season like this, and that’s what I’ve tried to reiterate to the girls,” Esparza said. “This is the longest season we’ve ever had and certainly the longest seasons I’ve ever experienced. The girls really showed a lot of grit and tenacity and perseverance while continuing through their injuries and this weird season. It was an interesting year to say the least.
“Something we didn’t even have this year were alternates. It affected our ability to just sub someone in, which you can’t do in cheerleading as easily as other sports.”
This year’s injuries forced GHS to make last-minute adjustments to its routine. The program lost cheerleaders late in the season during a time it is usually concentrating on polishing the routine.
Given the seasonal circumstances, Esparza was pleased.
“Overall, I think we had a great season,” she said. “We had some great accomplishments, but really as a coach, all I ask for is for them to show up and give their best every day and demonstrate some perseverance. They did that every day since we started back in June when the GHSA allowed us to open back up.
“We continued with the season all through February, and as a coach, I don’t know what more you could really ask for.”
In seasons that were not accompanied by a pandemic, GHS would start preparations for next season around this time. Esparza plans to give the team a break to regroup and rest.
“We are going to take a break for sure. The girls need a break both mentally and physically,” she said.
“It’s demanding on their bodies, and they’re beaten and bruised and need a break. The plan is to let them rest and recuperate and see if we can get some of the younger ones healed up mentally and physically. Then we’ll hit the ground running again looking forward to next season.”