STUNT Cheer is a new sport that has been added to campus, giving students the chance to compete in a fast-growing and exciting athletic activity. The sport focuses on skills such as stunts, jumps, tumbling, and teamwork instead of cheering for other teams. It is now officially part of the school’s athletic program and will compete against other schools in the league.
Instead of performing on the sidelines, athletes compete directly against other schools and are scored by judges. Each competition is divided into four parts, called quarters. These include partner stunts, pyramids and tosses, jumps and tumbling, and a final team routine. Teams earn points based on difficulty, technique, teamwork, and safety, which makes focus and coordination very important.
The history teacher who brought the sport to campus, Ms. Kasey Quevedo, said she wanted to create more opportunities for cheer athletes. She learned about the activity while visiting El Capitan High School and saw how it allowed cheerleaders to compete like athletes in other sports. After finding out the sport is recognized by the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) and can lead to college scholarships, she knew it would be a great addition.
“STUNT shows how strong and skilled cheer athletes really are,” Quevedo said. “It gives them a chance to compete and be recognized for their hard work.”
One major difference between this sport and traditional cheer is the focus. There are no chants, pom-poms, signs, or crowd-leading. Instead, athletes concentrate fully on their skills. Each move requires strength, balance, and trust between teammates to perform safely and successfully. Because of this, athletes must communicate clearly and stay focused throughout each match.
Across the country, the sport is growing quickly and is now one of the fastest-growing girls’ sports. Many schools in the CCC League already compete, including Buhach, El Capitan, Golden Valley, Merced, and Atwater. Colleges throughout California and the United States also offer teams, giving students the chance to continue competing after high school and possibly earn scholarships.
There is no limit on how many students can join the team, as long as at least 14 athletes are available to compete. This allows students with different abilities to take part as flyers, bases, back spots, or tumblers. Practices are held on padded mats, and athletes wear athletic uniforms designed for safety and movement. These rules help keep athletes protected while learning new skills.
The season takes place in the spring and is separate from traditional cheerleading, though some students may choose to do both. Like other school sports, the team will have scheduled practices, competitions, and league matches. Athletes will also be expected to follow team rules, work hard, and support one another.
As the program begins its first season on campus, it is expected to help students build confidence, discipline, and teamwork while giving them a new way to compete and grow as athletes.
