For three school years, Gresham High School’s dance and cheerleading teams have been combined. Unlike any other school in the district, the two teams formed as one due to low numbers during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the teams recently decided to split off and become their own program for the 25-26 season.
The separation is not due to animosity. Head cheer coach Savanna Zelinka stated “We feel like separating would give more freedom to the athletes and allow them to focus on each sport more.” Coach Keagen, the head dance team coach added, “Although the teams are relaunching as their own programs, we will continue to support one another.” Both teams will still do the same fundraisers, with separate individual ones. As well as participating in student-run car washes with each other during the summer.
Although cheer tryouts already occurred on May 15th, dance tryouts will come at the end of May.
