Sideline Spirit: Benton cheer

By Kirsten Stokes

This week’s Sideline Spirit features the Benton High School cheerleading team.

As the team prepares to showcase its sideline spirit ahead of Friday’s game against Central High School, getting to this point hasn’t always been the easiest. As they rebuild their team after a discouraging year, coach Ashley Bomberger is focused on creating an environment where the girls can love to cheer again.

“They’re really a family, and they’ve come a long way, and they really are doing a great job in showing how much they care about Benton and how much of a family they are within the South Side,” Bomberger said.

With a team of 23 girls, the Cardinals showcased new cheers, tumbling and stunting that they’ve learned since practicing in the summer. Leaders on the team are also focused on empowerment and finding ways to keep the spirit up.

“I try to just encourage them, even if you mess up, it’s really okay. You get the next time and I try to be positive with them,” said senior captain Jaylee Blanton.

In years past, the Benton Cardinal cheerleading team has had fewer cheerleaders and so this year they really want to bring the South Side pride.

More so, to show the St. Joseph community that they are more than the labels and stereotypes, but they are truly working to rebuild a better team and showcase the best sideline spirit for every single game day.

“It’s going to be a great year and we’re back and better than ever with a bigger team and better attitude,” said senior captain Scout Kovac.