On campus, the Pierce College cheer team shouts positive words of spirit and encouragement for the school’s sports teams. However, late night practice hours and hard work is what makes Pierce cheer successful. At the Aloha National Competition March 6, the team competed against 200 teams and rivaled USC as an Advanced Division 6 team. Pierce beat USC 70.83 to 60.13.
Practice is a collaborative effort. Stunts and lifts require focus and teamwork. If one element is missing, the the classic pyramid can crash and holding together a solid routine can be difficult.
However, the Pierce cheer team is quick to learn, adapting to new choreography and helping each other with difficult positions is not a problem. Practice results in successful holds and overcoming missteps in their goal to win future competitions as well as provide school spirit to fellow Brahmas.
With the help and direction of Pierce coach Jenny Ghiglia and Cheerforce facilities coach, Zach Harris, the team has managed to pull together a strong routine that will hopefully bring them success in their upcoming national competition in early April.
“I’m sure we will be competing against USC on April 16 at the [California] Finale in Bakersfield, Rabobank Arena, where USC won last year,” said Ghiglia in an email. “Let’s see if we can ‘Keep Our Horns UP!’ Go Brahmas!”