Bishop Manogue’s cheer program began its tryouts in April with a structured schedule designed to prepare athletes for a successful season. The process included four optional clinics followed by three mandatory clinics, giving the athletes time to learn routines, improve technique, and gain confidence before tryouts.
This season also comes with a major update for Nevada high school athletics, as cheerleading is now recognized under the NIAA (Nevada Interscholastic Activities Association) as an official sport category. At Bishop Manogue, cheer continues to operate with a junior varsity and varsity team, who are now required to have a competitive aspect to their programs.
In previous years, Bishop Manogue cheer has also competed in local and national competitions, but it was an option to all athletes whether they wanted to compete or just do sideline. This year, all athletes are required to compete in some way. It is likely that the head coach, Joanne Bryant, will have separate teams with one being more focused on less intense local competitions. Another team, made up of athletes looking for something more challenging, will travel to Florida to compete in USA Nationals in February.
Additionally, the program is changing its sideline expectations as all athletes will be required to participate in sideline cheer for both the football and basketball seasons. It used to be an option whether athletes wanted to continue on through basketball season or stop after football season, but as the program becomes more intense, it is important that all athletes are able to put all of their focus into the cheer season so they are able to grow as a team throughout the year and set the precedent for future seasons.
During tryouts, athletes were evaluated on motions, jumps, stunts, and overall performance quality. Coaches paid close attention to who was able to take criticism and learn from it. They focused on consistency, sharp execution, and which athletes were good teammates who offered reassurance and encouragement.
Three varsity captains were selected to lead the program this season: Keeli Craig, Reagan Bennett, and Addie Larson. For junior varsity, Sophia Ross and Addie Elliott were chosen. These captains were selected because of their strong ability to demonstrate leadership at practices and games, offer support to their teammates, and showcase Manogue cheer as an uplifting and improved program.
Assistant coach Jackie Peacock emphasized the excitement around the upcoming season. “This group has a lot of potential. The improvement from the first clinic to the final tryout was huge, and I’m excited to see what they accomplish together,” she said.
Tryouts not only determined team placement but also helped athletes adjust to the higher expectations now that the program is operating within a more formal athletic structure. Many athletes agreed that the multiple clinics made the final tryout less stressful and more focused.
Looking ahead, the team will begin preparing for game-day performances, competition routines, and upcoming events throughout the year. Coaches plan to focus early practices on strong technique and building team chemistry.
With new leadership, experienced coaching staff, and its new status under NIAA recognition, Bishop Manogue cheer is entering this season with the goal of building a more unified and competitive program than ever before.
