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Smelgus is proud to be the only male member of the squad. Photo by: Tyler Ritz

The 2014-2015 basketball cheer-leading squad has a new addition to the group from previous years.

Senior Tre Smelgus came to preseason tryouts and, to his shock, made the team.

“I don’t really know why I wanted to become a cheerleader besides the fact I participated in powder puff and had fun,” said Smelgus.

During tryouts, Smelgus was the only boy in ten years to show up and make the team.

“I was nervous people were going to judge me, but to my surprise, they supported me and accepted the fact I’m on the squad,” said Smelgus.

During the first day, Smelgus didn’t know what to expect being that he never tried out or even watched cheer-leading.

“I was actually really sore the first day ,and we were only doing beginner stuff,” said Smelgus. “Cheer-leading is an underestimated sport, and if people realized how hard practice was, they would take it seriously.”

Senior Angelina Stewart has been on the team throughout her high school career and enjoys Smelgus on the team.

”It’s different but fun because it’s a new experience for all of us girls on the squad,” said Stewart. “Having a male on the team that can help with stunts makes life easier and more enjoyable.”

The squad had their first game December 9 against York Suburban, and Smelgus had his first real look at cheer-leading.

“I was actually really nervous to cheer for the first game for the fear of messing up,” said Smelgus. “Surprisingly it went really smooth, and it felt great when everything was pulling together.”

Smelgus is part of the back squad to support the stunts, and he loves his spot on the team.

“I make sure people don’t fall, and I help pull up,” said Smelgus. “My job is to ensure the girls’ safety and make sure they don’t fall.”

English teacher and cheer-leading coach Jessica Beste likes having Smelgus as part of the squad.

“Last time there was a boy on the team was when I was on the cheer team, which was ten years ago, but it’s a privilege to coach a male on the team,” said Beste. “Having Tre on the squad is awesome because he supplies a different type of strength than the girls, and he is a versatile player to our team.”

Smelgus will continue to cheer throughout the rest of the basketball season and hopes to continue through the remainder of his high school career.