With basketball season right around the corner, the many energetic and spirited cheers that the Seven Hills cheerleaders perform during games will soon be echoing throughout the fan-packed gyms in no time. While they may only take up a small portion of the court, their impact on the game is big. The cheerleaders foster a sense of spirit that leaves fans, students, and players feeling excited. Their variety of chants, dances, and cheers never fail to uplift the room—even bringing spirit to the quietest corners of the bleachers. Despite the cheerleaders having several chants, students are still able to find favorites within the abundance. The crowd favorites are unanimous: the Stinger Rumble, Rebound Pull It Down, and Get On the Ball.
It comes as no surprise that the Stinger Rumble is a fan-favorite, as it is the signature cheer for the school. Known by parents, fans, and students in the pre, elementary, middle, and upper school, the loud and uplifting floor cheer is a staple of the Seven Hills community and brings everyone together through spirit. At basketball games, the performance of the Stinger Rumble evokes an energy and enthusiasm—no matter what the current condition of the game is. The Stinger Rumble is such an important cheer to Seven Hills that doing the cheer can be enough of an energy booster to even change the course of a game for the better. Senior cheerleader Ila Wall states: “The Stinger Rumble is the most popular because it’s very easy to learn and is engaging for the crowd.” If any cheer were to represent the word “spirit,” the Stinger Rumble is undoubtedly what the choice would be.
Rebound Pull It Down being well-liked is not shocking because it brings a combative aspect to the game as the cheerleaders shout and stomp over a silent gym while the opposing team shoots a second free throw. Because this cheer can only be done when the other team is shooting a second free throw, it is not done as much as some of the others are. Despite being performed less often, the loud, stomp-clap cheer riles up the stands and fires up both our team and the opponents. The noisy nature of the cheer not only fosters spirit within fans, but can also disrupt the flow of the opposing team’s game. Senior, varsity basketball player Malcolm Faison explains how Rebound Pull It Down brings a positive impact to the game: “The cheer is really helpful because noise is really such a big factor, especially during free throws. When the cheerleaders make a lot of noise, it is good because it can catch really good teams off guard.” Rebound Pull It Down definitely brings a fiery presence to the game.
Lastly, another Seven Hills cheer favorite is Get On the Ball. The long, rhythmic, and visually-appealing cheer grabs the attention of spectators and even players. When done well, this cheer is arguably one of Seven Hill’s best. The precision of the stomp-claps along with the uncommon use of vocalization in the background makes Get On the Ball a cheer that is unique and exciting to see. Faison says, “Anytime the cheerleaders can get the fans in awe is a good moment, and this cheer definitely does that,” showing how even though the cheer is different from typical chants or performances, the specialness of it brings an appeal that regular ones do not. Senior Calvin Armstrong said: “Get On the Ball is the kind of cheer that you remember after the game is over.” It is clear that Get On the Ball is a real show-stopper, stealing the attention of fans and players alike.
The Seven Hills cheerleaders will undoubtedly fill the gyms with their spirited energy for another year, immersing the spectators and players in contagious excitement and enthusiasm. It can definitely be expected by fans, spectators, and players to hear the three standout favorites that never fail to electrify the crowd. The Stinger Rumble, Rebound Pull It Down, and Get On the Ball will continue to foster energy, and the cheerleaders’ endless lineup of cheers will continue to be uplifting for the fans.
