The Garber Wolverines cheer square are already busily preparing for an upcoming homecoming game, and coach Mary Sloat said they are enthusiastic about the season.

“We have a squad of four freshmen, five sophomores, and one senior,” Sloat said. “All but two have been cheerleaders before, so we have a lot of experience. They will be cheering for football and basketball, and they are currently preparing for homecoming. Our squad is responsible for the homecoming festivities, including the coronation, decorating football players’ lockers, and the big homecoming pep assembly.

“They’re a great group of girls,” Sloat continued. “The senior and sophomores were on the squad together last year and worked very well together. I’m excited for what they will do this year.”

Sloat said she feels like she brings a unique perspective to the cheer squad, and her experience plays a huge role in their development.

“I was a cheerleader in high school and college,” she said. “Cheer gives the opportunity to develop friendships, which I have to this day from my cheer days and with the girls I used to coach. My experience gives me a better understanding of how the girls think and feel, as well as what challenges they’re facing.”

As for last season’s troubles and quirks during the pandemic, Sloat said they are but a distant thought for her team.

“The pandemic isn’t bothering them so far,” she said. “The atmosphere is one of excitement because we get to travel together this year and we couldn’t last year.”

Coaching cheer has bred in Sloat a philosophy that takes into account some oft overlooked factors when it comes to teenagers.

“We are a team, but we need to find the strengths of the individual in order to make a great team,” she said. “The time we spend traveling together to games gives us the chance to get to know each other and build on that when we’re out on the field.”