Cheering their return: Cheerleaders perform in front of audience for first time since pandemic

Cheerleaders took to the mat to perform routines and compete in the BIIF preseason cheerleading competition on Wednesday at Kamehameha Schools Hawaii.

The KS Warriors won the competition against Konawaena, Waiakea, Hilo and Kealakehe in front of a panel of judges.

While BIIF cheerleading competed last year, this is the first year since the COVID-19 pandemic that has allowed a live audience to be present for the competitions.

“It feels so refreshing to be back, especially with a crowd to respond to our cheers,” said Kamehameha cheerleader Ka‘iulani Rocha. “It is much harder to do when you don’t have people cheering back.”

Waiakea senior cheerleaders Jerzey Correa, Helena Cripe and Chloe Brunner were excited to start their last competition season together.

“Competitions are great for tightening bonds, creating friends, practicing new skills and watching other routines from schools,” Correa said.

“We’re sad it’s our last year, but we’re going to enjoy it.”

It was Hilo cheerleader Keanu Steffen’s first time on the mat for a competition and they enjoyed it more than they thought they could.

“It felt so good to be up there, it was more than I could have expected,” Steffen said.

“Getting up in front of everyone and hitting everything right on point is so exciting every time,” Hilo senior Khenin Dre Sarme Shin added. “I love it.”

The next competition will be on Wednesday, Oct. 12 at Hilo High.