news story

You think you know, but you have no idea.The 2008-2009 Eastview cheer season was bound to be great, with the Florida nationals and all the competitions that were planned on being won. But something tore apart a team, a family. Being involved in any sport gets you into a specific group of friends. And with any group of friends comes drama. So I went to find out the truth about what destroyed Eastview High Schools varsity cheer team, and what changes will be made for next year to prevent this.I go in depth and get the stories from both sides of the cheerleaders, along with the coaches and administration and how they feel about a varsity sport being discontinued in mid season. As I spoke with Mr. Percival, Eastview High Schools athletic director, he explained to me how many people this effects, and in so many ways. He admits it was incredibly disappointing to have the season end short. Not only because of all the time and effort the girls had put into practicing but also for the parents who had put time and money into their child's extra curricular activity. He also goes into detail about next year. "There's nothing we can change," Mr. Percival says, because you can’t force people to participate in an activity, and every one has the option of quitting. As I went out to find the reason why the team broke up, I was asked not to use real names because that may bring up issues. "The main reason the team broke up was because of all the lies" Sally, a varsity cheerleader, says. Two of the girls got into a fight, and then the rest of the team broke into two sides. One of the girls was accused of sleeping around and spreading rumors about the other girl. That then caused a fight which led to the division. “It was so hard to watch my dreams just disappear,” Suzie says. She worked so hard all summer to make varsity. She was looking forward to nationals in Florida and dominating in local competitions. “There are still a lot of harsh feelings” she says. She also told me that many of the girls who chose sides still don’t speak. Suzie will try out again this coming year, and will hopefully make varsity. A lot of the girls from last years team will not be trying out again because of what happened. Because of the season ending, one more change came. Both the varsity and junior varsity coaches will not be returning next year. Coach Tracy, the main varsity coach will be having her second child. Coach Amanda, the main junior varsity coach has moved on to begin her teaching career. The new coach is a man, and he has high hopes for the incoming team. Hopefully next year the drama will subside and the team can go and win nationals. The 2008-2009 Eastview varsity cheer team will always be known for the dramatic break up, but it shows the incoming girls what lies ahead and prepares them to handle situations like this in a different way.