The FHS Cougar cheerleading team is starting the year on a high note, earning the title of “Best Cheerleading Team” by The City El Paso Magazine.
Every year the magazine puts out its “Best Of” issue, showcasing local talent and businesses in the El Paso community. The Cougar squad, which went head-to-head against the city’s high school teams, earned the most votes for its successful season.
“It’s a big honor to be chosen. It means a lot to us,” coach Angel Santa Cruz said. “They are a really great team and have proven themselves. They work hard.”
Santa Cruz was notified the team had been chosen, but he had to keep it a under wraps until the issue came out.
“Our coach actually kept it a secret so when we had to take a picture for the magazine, and he told us it was some sort of ad in the newspaper,” senior Alexa Hernandez said. “When he handed out the magazines, and we saw that we had won, we were very excited. It’s a really a great honor and accomplishment for us.”
Hernandez credits her team’s ability to work well together for the win.
“We can all work really well under pressure,” she said. “When we need to get something done we do it. We can fall apart in rehearsal but when it matters we come together and perform.”
For fellow senior Cassandra Gonzalez, the title is a great way to end her last year at Franklin.
“It’s been a fun learning experience. I have learned the meaning of teamwork, working with different types of personalities. I’ve built bonds since freshman year,” she said. “It’s a huge accomplishment to be recognized. I am really proud of our team to be able to win that title.”
The team will compete in two competitions in March, both locally and out of state.
“They are really talented girls. Some of the best talent Franklin cheer has seen. This will carry them in a positive direction,” Santa Cruz said. “It pushes them because now they have to continue to prove themselves and earn those top spots.”
You can read the City Magazine issue on the Best of El Paso by clicking here.
