The 2024 school year at Erie High School started like any other—with the excitement of new beginnings, fresh opportunities, and a sense of pride in the Erie Tigers. However, this year carried something special for one particular group: the cheerleading team. After years of dominating the 4A division, they were about to face their biggest challenge yet, moving up to the 5A division for the first time in Erie’s history.
The news hit the Erie Tigers Cheer team like a wave during 2023. Enrollment numbers had finally pushed the school into the 5A classification, and with it, the cheer team would now be competing against the largest and most elite programs in Colorado. The announcement brought both excitement and nerves. For years, Erie Cheer had been the pride of the school, consistently placing at the top of the 4A division and earning respect statewide. But 5A? That was a whole new world.
As Erie cheer moves up to 5A they have had to face many more challenges than they did last year. Just like Emily Quinn said “ They haven’t been more strict, but they also know we have a lot on our plate going into five A and everyone knows us from getting grand champs last year so all the five people expect a lot of us. They are facing all these challenges with the expectation of last year. As we grow closer toward the new year Erie cheer has been packing in more practices in the mornings and after school hours every day. That’s not including the Friday games they have to go to for football. Erie varsity is one of a kind when it comes to school spirit, cheer continues to grow as we move up to 5A and face more schools that have been in five A longer than us.
In a significant boost for the Erie High School cheerleading program, the team has officially been moved up to the 5A division for this upcoming season. This transition marks a new era for the squad, which has demonstrated exceptional talent and dedication over the past few years. Melanie Bell has been on the cheer team since freshman year and now she’s a senior! She has given some insight on what it’s been like moving to 5A. “It was definitely hard with such a new team because we lost a lot of seniors.” “We have fun and work hard and get our stuff done but we all know we have this one goal and that’s to succeed” Just like what she said its always going to be a challenge for them.
The Erie cheer team, known for their vibrant routines and strong performances, has been a dominant force in the 4A division, consistently earning high scores at competitions. “ It’s definitely a little bit more challenging. It’s very cool. I think it’s super fun compared to what we have done in the past and I really think this is gonna be a .”Current varsity cheerleader Julia Wilkins states. This move up comes as a result of both their impressive record and the growing popularity of cheerleading in the community.
The squad is preparing for the season with lots of hard work and plans to add more higher elite skills to elevate their routine. As the Erie cheer team prepares for their season in 5A, the community is rallying behind them, excited to support their journey in the new division and for the years to come.
