“Terrifying.”
That was the first word cheerleader Hazel McDonald (’29) used to describe the experience of trying out for the winter cheer team.
The cheer team held tryouts from Nov. 12-14. They learned several dances and cheer routines, and practiced other skills like tumbling and jumps. On Nov. 18, they were evaluated by their coaches.
However, they’re not the only ones. Cheer is just one of the many winter sports that held tryouts during the week of Nov. 10-14. Student athletes who participate in sports like swim and dive, wrestling, gymnastics and basketball have all gone through the process. Many students enjoy these sports because they give them an outlet for energy and a sense of community involvement.
When thinking of athletics, most people would probably think of fall sports like football or spring sports like soccer. But in between, when the weather gets colder and most outdoor activities are no longer happening, there is another sports season–– one that, for many, offers a small, tight-knit community while still being just as enjoyable as Friday night lights.
Speaking about the experience of trying out, McDonald said, “I was the very last person to go, and I was just kinda nervous. But I think it went really well. One thing my parents always tell me is that your body actually processes being nervous and being excited the exact same way, like, there’s no difference in it. So when…you’re feeling nervous, if you just tell yourself that it’s your body being excited, then you’ll think of it in a better way.”
Clara Steffens (’29), who is on the swim and dive team, agreed.
“It was kind of stressful, Steffens said. “I think I was…pretty confident in myself. I was surprised with my times that I got from my races, which is nice. But it was a little nerve-wracking.”
Most athletes would agree that trying out for a team isn’t easy, but the winter sports season also provides an opportunity to connect with peers, make new friends, and become involved in the Madison community. For most, this makes it a worthwhile experience. This is especially true during the cold winter months when not many other activities are going on.
“It’s really fun,” Steffens said. “My coaches are really, really nice, and the community itself is so tight-knit, and it’s like a family… Swimming doesn’t give you a lot of time to talk to people, but, like, out of the water, you can really just connect with and talk to your teammates.”
McDonald had a similar perspective. She also emphasized how much she’s looking forward to cheering on the basketball team this season.
“I haven’t gotten to know winter so far,” McDonald said. “but I know it’s a lot more chaotic… there’s a lot more going on. It’s a more fast-paced sport. So I think it’ll be chaotic but in a good way because I like that. Like, it’s more entertaining… You should all do winter sports because they’re awesome.”
