est Jefferson Hills
WEST JEFFERSON HILLS SCHOOL DISTRICT NEWS
All Gas and No Breaks !
By Julie Evanchak
In the midst of cheering and supporting the Thomas Jefferson Jaguars sports teams , the TJ Cheerleaders also dedicate themselves to the expanding world of competitive cheerleading . Many people are not aware of the hard work and commitment these students put into their almost nine-month long season . However , as the TJ Cheer program begins to gain recognition in the cheerleading world , they also gain it in the Jaguar community .
Ever since I was a youth cheerleader , I ’ ve always admired the high school cheerleaders . The idea that I am now senior captain of the team I once looked up to is crazy ! I was first exposed to the competitive aspect of cheer in seventh grade when I made the Pleasant Hills Middle School cheer team . Kimberly Stadelman and Kelsie Stadelman ( Pahanish ) were in their second year of coaching the middle school team and were continuing to build the skills and reputation of the program .
While the Stadelmans were new to coaching in the West Jefferson Hills community , TJ Cheerleading has competed for many years . Dating back to 1995 , the varsity team won the PIAA state championship and Nationals for the first time . The TJ Cheer program has consisted of strength , agility and teamwork for a long time .
Over the years , as the Stadelmans , now including coach Brianne Stadelman , have run the middle school and high school program , the team has developed into a well-known part of the community . While the team ’ s accomplishments begin to gain recognition , not many people are aware of the hard work and dedication that goes into cheerleading .
Unlike most sports , the cheer season spans over the course of several months which consists of intense training , sports events , pep rallies and competitions . From the beginning of June to the end of February , the team ’ s work ethic and motto is “ all gas
and no breaks .” Additionally , many of the cheerleaders are not only committed to their sport but are excellent students committed to academics and different clubs and activities .
A season is not complete without its challenges . There are setbacks which the team must face ; however , that is where friendships are fostered . One of the most vital aspects of cheer is the unity and sense of team that is created throughout the season . Many of the accomplishments such as WPIAL 2022-23 Section champion , bronze medalist at the 2023 National High School Cheerleading Competition ( NHSCC ), and finalists at the 2024 NHSCC could not occur without the strong relationships built starting in the previous summer and throughout the season .
As another successful season comes to an end and I close an important and fun chapter of my life , the legacy left behind by former cheerleaders will continue to grow through the dedicated and talented athletes who return and a strong pipeline from the PHMS cheer team .
Julie Evanchak is a Senior at Thomas Jefferson High School
48 WEST JEFFERSON HILLS