While high school sports shift from fall to the winter, there is no offseason for the cheerleaders.

As football ends in Sedona, the Sedona cheerleadersmove their focus to basketball season, and they’re already planning ways to keep school spirit high during the winter.

The cheerleaders are always working on new routines, and the squad is excited to introduce their cheer at basketball games.

“I think we are planning a Christmas dance during basketball season, so that will be exciting,” Sedona cheer captain Emily Wooten said. “We will definitely have a new dance routine as well as co-captain Marissa Laso and I are working on a new one.”

Led by Wooten, Laso and co-captain Diana Zaun, the cheerleaders take it upon themselves to bring the Sedona community together whenever they can.

“Our goal is maintaining our level of energy from football season and keeping a sense of community throughout the school,” Wooten said.

The cheerleaders’ pep is not restricted to football and basketball, as the Scorpions have also cheered at other fall sports.

“We also support the volleyball players and swimmers at their events if we have time,” Laso said. “It can be tough with three practices a week but we try to make time for each team.”

Winter sports for Sedona kicks off on Friday, Nov. 30, as the Scorpions host San Pasqual at the Sedona Red Rock Pago’s Pizza Classic.
The cheerleaders implemented

a few new dance routines in the fall, including some of 2018’s biggest radio hits.

“We chose ‘I Like It’ by Cardi B for our Halloween dance because of how popular and fun that song is,” Laso said. “A lot of times, we will pick more well-known songs so the crowd can sing and dance along with us.”

Beyond the dancing and excitement from the cheerleaderslies a close-knit bunch that considers themselves a family.

“We do put a lot of work in during practice, so being as open with communicationas possible helps on and off the field,” Laso said.
With three practices a week and gameday every Friday, the Scorpions are resting up before the season changes.

“We are taking two weeks off to rest up from football season,” Lamparter said. “Then we are starting off fresh to get the new boys or girls up to speed and ready for basketball season.”

The Scorpions had 14 cheerleaders during the fall but expect to lose a few Scorpions to other winter sports such as soccer.

Sedona senior night was an eventful one as three cheerleaders were honored while the Scorpions football
team defeated Valley Lutheran 49-32.

“Senior night was wonderful for us because the entire team makes you a goodie bag filled with your favorite snacks and candies,” Laso said. “It is also a sad moment because some of the cheerleaders leave for soccer, but still a great night for all.”

With the cheerleaders moving inside, expect a louder game environment in Sedona.

“The 14 of them were very loud for football but being inside gives us a tighter spot to hype up the fans,” Sedona coach and Administrative Assistant Teresa Lamparter.

Sedona also welcomed their first boy cheerleader this year as Joshua Urbano cheered in the fall.

“Urbano has a great attitude, encourages the team and keeps things light hearted yet focused on cheer,” Lamparter said. “He is also a big asset when lifting the girls or performing certain stunts himself during games.”

As the weather gets colder, don’t be surprised if Sedona events get louder in the next few weeks.