On the sideline with pom poms and bows, cheering on the sports team, then straight to the mat, helmet on and mouth guard in, ready to fight for the win. This is what an average week night looks like for Layla Childers (10).
“What I love about cheerleading is being able to spend time with the team and all of our bonding,” Childers said. “Cheer is definitely a team sport, win as a team, lose as a team. While wrestling is a personal sport, you really have to rely on yourself.”
Childers has been a cheerleader since early childhood and has always found love and comfort in it. This year Childers and her cheerleading team competed at Saint Louis JV regionals and took third place against many other teams around the region.
It wasn’t until freshman year did she decide to take a chance at a sport so distinct then anything she’s ever done.
“I first tried out for wrestling because some of my friends were [in it] and conscripted me. I then grew a passion for it,” Childers said.
Jersey Haynes (10) is a close friend and teammate of wrestling and cheerleading to Childers.
“Layla was always very uplifting and challenged me to do my best in both of the sports we have in common,” Haynes said. “Even though I’m out due to a major injury for 9 months, she’s still stayed a very positive influence in my life and encourages me to stay strong and still pursue what I love. She is a great teammate to have.”
This season Childers plans to build up her endurance and strength, and also start medaling in more tournaments. She wants to continue cheerleading and wrestling throughout her last two years of high school.
