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Caitlin Evangelesta
SOPHOMORE – POSTON BUTTE HIGH SCHOOL
SPORTS – CHEER
The team has experienced a lot of success so far this season and, as a result, received some notoriety as well, including an appearance on the Channel 10 Morning Show. How are you and the team enjoying the newfound fame?
Yes, in response to our success this season, my team and I have received some notoriety. We all enjoy being able to experience new opportunities such as appearing on the Channel 10 Morning Show and find it motivating to know that our team’s success is known beyond the boundaries of our school. While we all enjoy the recognition, it is important to both myself and my team, to never get comfortable with our performances and to always strive to push ourselves, our potential, and hit a perfect routine on the mat.
For those who don’ know or perhaps underestimate the training you and the team goes through, please describe the team’s practice/workout schedule. What is the hardest part and why?
With the goal of delivering a perfect performance at each of our competitions, our team’s practice schedule has a major influence on our success. Monday through Friday, we practice from 6 a.m. to around 7:53 a.m. In regards to after school practices, we have weight training after school on Mondays, tumbling class on Thursdays, and if we have a competition approaching, or are in need of the extra practice, a second practice after school on Wednesdays and/or on Saturdays. The hardest part of our practice schedule, in my opinion, is learning how to manage your time wisely and balance your schedule between cheer, school, and family.
How personal is it to you to carry on the tradition of success the Broncos’ Cheer Team has established?
As a sophomore, I feel as though it my responsibility to carry on the tradition of success the Broncos’ Cheer Team has established, through my remaining years with the program and beyond. I am so grateful for our seniors and the immense influence they have had on both the success of our program and the leadership they brought to our season, motivating me to carry on the traditions in the future seasons to come.
Finish this sentence: “My greatest athletic memory so far at PBHS is…”
Competing in the 2016 AIA State Cheerleading Qualifier, not because our team placed first in our division, but because it was the first performance this season where we could all feel something special on that mat, and truly came together as one. I believe that this performance had a great influence on the success of the remainder of our season.
What is your favorite sports movie and why?
American Cheerleader because it is inspiring and motivational to see teams who work just as hard as you and have the passion for the sport you love, be successful and fulfill their dreams. With our cheer team competing in the UCA Nationals competition this year, the movie is also a preview for our team of the feelings we will experience when we perform among the bright lights and cheering crowd.
Name one person you’d most like to meet and why?
One person I’d most like to meet would be Burlington Township’s cheerleading coach, not only because she is the coach of a team who is very successful at UCA Nationals, but because she was my coach’s coach. If it wasn’t for my coach being inspired by her coach to love and excel in cheerleading, then our program would not be what it is today.
Andrew Luberda began writing for Copper Area News Publishers (CANP) in February 2013 after working 15 years in Healthcare Financial Management. Andy covers sports for 11 high schools. His stories are published in Copper Basin News, San Manuel Miner and Superior Sun, in addition to the San Tan Valley Daily PRSS and CopperArea websites. Additionally, he has written human interest stories and business profiles. In May 2012, he earned an AAS in Sports Management at Central Arizona College before graduating with a BS in Communication from Arizona State University in 2014. He and his wife, Kelli, have three sons – AJ, Kyle, and Kade.
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