IR cheerleaders put some pep in Indians' step

This winter, Indian River fans have had a little more to cheer about, thanks to cheerleading coach Tori Abell, who has stepped in this year as the winter sports’ cheerleading and competitive cheerleading coach.

Coastal Point • Jesse Pryor
Sydney Barch goes airborne during a routine at halftime of the Indian River girls' basketball game on Monday.

“I have cheered and danced,” noted Abell, “and I taught competitive dance before coaching cheerleading, so it’s all worked together very well. With my background, the transition was easy.”

Young cheerleading squads formed after tryouts and, this winter, they’ve got the crowds pumped up for the winter basketball season.

“The fans seem to really like it, and I’ve received compliments from the school’s principal,” said Abell of IR Principal Mark Steele. “And the girls are really having a lot of fun.”

The routines have grown progressively intricate, with jumps and basket tosses being added as experience develops. The addition of more difficult moves is being made possible thanks to Selbyville’s Mid-Coast Gym, whose facilities and trainers helped the teams put together their routines and practice in a safe and professional environment. The two squads – the winter sports cheerleading team and the competitive squad – practice weekly.

“There’s a great cheer floor at Mid-Coast Gym that really helps the girls improve,” said Abell. “I think it helps to have them get out and practice away from the school, as well.”

While the winter season is quickly drawing to a close, the competitive cheer season is just getting under way. Competitions will be held throughout the spring, including two at the civic center in Salisbury, starting in late March. The teams are made up of many juniors and underclassmen, showing indications of returning talent for next season, too.

“There are a lot of young, talented cheerleaders out here,” said Abell. “They all work really hard, and you can tell that they all want it.”