Jordan-Elbridge Varsity Cheer Makes History with First Competitive Season

The Jordan-Elbridge Varsity Cheer Team made history this fall by competing for the first time ever. Under the leadership of Coach Errin Chilson, the team has experienced tremendous growth, marking a milestone that will be remembered for years to come.

Coach Chilson, who has been coaching cheer for 10 years, got her start when her daughter was five years old. Her journey into coaching the high school varsity team began last year, and it didn’t take long for her to recognize the potential for growth and success. “Up until then, cheer at JE was treated more like a club than a sport, which limited what we could do—especially in terms of more advanced skills that I knew the team was capable of,” Coach Chilson explained. “Competing felt like the natural next step for us, both to push our abilities and to give the cheer program a place alongside other competitive sports. I believe this approach will help our athletes grow and show what they’re capable of at a higher level.”

The fall season wrapped up this past Saturday at sectionals at Indian River, and it’s been nothing short of a triumph. “It was an incredible season, and I’m so proud of the team. They poured their heart and soul into every practice, game, and competition, giving their all from start to finish,” said Coach Chilson. “The growth and commitment each athlete showed were amazing, and it was truly rewarding to see everything come together at sectionals. We couldn’t have asked for a better season.”

One of the standout aspects of the team’s journey was the evolution of their routine. What began as a vision with carefully chosen song selections underwent two major changes after the first competition. “We started with a clear vision, but after our first competition, we realized we needed more to make an impact,” Coach Chilson shared. “The team embraced each change with incredible resilience, working tirelessly to perfect every adjustment. It was inspiring to see them handle these shifts so well.”

As for the student-athletes themselves, Coach Chilson couldn't be more proud. “I couldn’t have asked for a better team to share this journey with. They had the courage to step into uncharted territory, doing something that no one in JE history has done before. Their dedication, bravery, and hard work have been inspiring, and it’s been an honor to watch them grow and make history together.”

Looking ahead, the cheer team is preparing for a winter season that kicks off on November 18. “Winter competitions are structured a bit differently, so we’re still finalizing our vision for this season’s routine,” Coach Chilson explained. “One challenge we face is choreographing without yet knowing the exact number of cheerleaders or their skill levels, but we’re excited to adapt and build a routine that suits the strengths of our team. We’re looking forward to seeing how this season unfolds.”

The team is also hoping to inspire others to join. “I want to encourage anyone who’s even a little curious about cheer to give it a try! Don’t let fear or hesitation hold you back—cheer has a place for everyone, whether you can do a cartwheel or not!” Coach Chilson said. “There’s so much to learn, from jumps to being a solid base in stunts, and it’s all about working together as a team. With our winter season starting on November 18, there's still time to sign up. Join us, and be part of something special!”