As the Rock Island High School Competitive Cheer season begins, the seniors are reflecting on how their lives have been shaped, changed, and what pushes them to create new goals to better their future. From early morning practices to late night competitions, these athletes have built long lasting bonds and memories that will last beyond the mat.
Francesca Guyette has been part of the RIHS Competitive Cheer Team since her sophomore year of high school, concluding this year with her third and final season. One of Guyette’s favorite memories throughout the years is when the team hit zero and beat Moline High School at Sectionals her Junior year. “That was a moment that showed hard work and trust in each other, really pays off,” she shared.
Guyette joined Competitive Cheer largely because of her friends, but to also improve her tumbling and stunting skills. But, over time, the bonds between her teammates and her grew, and every year came more and more improvement. Guyette credits cheer to teaching her to have discipline and time management skills, stating, “I show up to 6am practices every morning, ready to work and put my best foot forward on the mat.” One of the biggest challenges she has had to face is relying on others, noting that competition cheer doesn’t have the “best reputation”, and that can change others’ mindsets about the sport, causing people to quit or be unreliable for the squad. This causes the team to rework their routines, sometimes just days before the competition.
Despite the pressure, Guyette has turned into a big role model. She explained how competition has taught her to stand up for herself and others, and to also lead by example, by doing facials and having a positive attitude, even if it is just at practice. Looking ahead, she plans on trying out for the Illinois State Cheer Team in May. Guyette is hoping to make the Competition Team or the Co-ed Game Day Team. Her advice to underclassmen is short, but meaningful; be confident in everything you do, keep smiling and know that no routine is perfect. “Keep smiling,” she shared, “But it is how you carry yourself afterwards that matters.”
Lincoln Perez is another senior who has left his mark on the RIHS Competitive Cheer Team. Some of his favorite memories don’t center on the mat itself, but with the people he is surrounded by, and the moments leading up to the competition. He explains these memories are from, “When the team is getting ready at the competition before warmups, and having a great time.” Perez has been on the Competitive Cheer Team for 2 years now. He joined because of his competitive nature and love for the sport, but also wanting to try something new.
Competitive Cheer has shaped him throughout the years. “Competitive Cheer has shaped me as a person by giving me discipline and a better sense of sportsmanship.” Perez is planning to continue his cheer career at Iowa Central Community College next year. Like many others, Perez faced the challenges of people quitting, and having to overcome the lack of diversity throughout the sport, but this doesn’t stop him from being encouraging towards others.
As the season begins, seniors like Guyette and Perez continue to uplift their teammates and encourage them to give this season their all time best. They serve as role models on and off the mat, reminding others that it is not just about perfect scores or tight motions, but the fun and excitement that follows.
