What’s a football game without the Golden Wave cheer squad? Tupelo High School’s cheer squad has many new faces this year. A new coach and a few new members are some of the changes that the squad has to get used to this year.

Kama Alford retired her position as head cheer coach this year, a role that has been filled by Jordan Metcalfe.

When Metcalfe attended THS, he was a part of the co-ed cheer squad.           

“It is pretty cool teaching them because I used to be where they were, so I know where they are and how they feel about stuff and I like them a lot,” Metcalfe said.

Cheer does a lot to prepare for their competitions. They have to prepare their members to strengthen them for competition.

“Being a new member of cheer is challenging and fun, but Mr. Metcalfe is a great cheer coach [at] helping me become a better member,”  senior Josh Hopkins said.

Varsity members feel that the new direction of Metcalfe is helpful, as he was a cheerleader throughout high school and college and knows how to give them a better form.

“I think that there has been a lot of ups and downs but I think it’s gonna take some adjusting,” junior Mary Elizabeth King said. “It’s an adjusting process for all of us.”

“Cheer is very different this year concerning the new members and new coach, but it’s a work in progress and I think we will do really good,” junior Mason Hudson said.

The cheer team has a lot to do at one time. They have to prepare for games, pep rallies and competition, so being on the cheer squad is a lot of work to take on for people who are just joining.

Overall, cheer will have a great season and have fun with the new changes and members.