In the September heat, a swarm of girls in tie-dye t-shirts circles the football field.
These cheerleaders are focusing on conditioning and stamina, a sign that the new coaching staff is running things in a different direction.
This year the cheerleading program welcomes a whole new coaching staff, after being coached by the same family for over 20 years. Cathy Seufert and Sandy Seufert, class of ’97, recently stepped down as JV and varsity head coaches.
New varsity head coach Brandy Mann previously coached for the Bel Air Recreation Program for four years and Notre Dame Prep for one year. She is also the owner of the all star team, Bel Air Starz.
“I want to take Patriot cheerleading to the next level,” Mann said. To help her achieve her goal, a choreographer was brought in for the first time to create a competition routine. In the past, routines were created just by the coaches.
“Her ways of coaching are a lot different from Sandy [Seufert’s], but we know we’re going to do great this year,” senior varsity captain Nicole Trombetta said.
Mann also required practice uniforms to make the team look and feel more unified, and she’s added more running and conditioning to everyday practices.
“We run more so we can gain stamina for when we compete,” junior Taylor Kline said. “We make it fun, the way we run.”
While excited, Mann feels the pressure to succeed. “I felt I had huge shoes to fill since the previous coaches had been here so long and had been successful,” Mann said.
Mann hopes that her coaching will help the cheerleading team to be even more successful than in the past. JC cheerleading won first place in two local competitions last year but only placed fourth out of nine teams at the larger competition, Reach the Beach. Her efforts are intended to improve the team’s placement at this year’s Reach the Beach.
Mann generates enthusiasm among team members by seeking their input, and this is the first year that the team has added new cheers that they came up with on their own. Team members have also suggested new stunt ideas.
“At the end of the day, I want students to want to come to JC not only for academics but to be a part of the best cheerleading team in Harford County,” Mann said.
“I’m really excited about this year with the new coaches, and I know they can push us to be our best,” Trombetta said.
Boyle can be reached for comment at [email protected].