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Crimson Bears football cheerleaders face new challenges
- Klas Stolpe
- 28 minutes ago
- 6 min read
The ‘Gridiron Girls’ look to rebrand after leadership change
By Klas Stolpe
Juneau Independent
In one sense they are the “Gridiron Girls.”
Although not the main attraction when fans pack the Adair-Kennedy Memorial Park field to watch the Juneau-Douglas High School: Yadaa.at Kalé Crimson Bears football team play, they put in the same hours on and off the field, feel the same pains and rejoice in the same victories.
They are the JDHS football cheer squad. A team in transition with a new coach to lead them.
“This season brings new challenges and opportunities,” new head football cheer coach Carlene Nore said. “I have not coached football cheer since 2022. I was not initially anticipating that I would be coaching football cheer this season. It has been a busy transition, requiring a lot of adjustments to personal schedules and getting back on track with prepping for a season with a month notice.”
An abrupt change in the coaching staff saw Nore step in. Unfortunately the team was left with no money for travel, uniforms or warm-ups for rain protection that funds previously had been raised for, and few of the eligible returning members from last season. The team is currently wearing 2017 JDHS basketball cheer uniforms, the threads of which have performed in one of Nore’s 10 state basketball cheer championship wins.
“We have a lot of fundraising ahead of us as we work toward purchasing new uniforms and warm-ups for the team,” Nore said. “Our team is young, energetic and full of school spirit. We have one senior, who serves as our team manager, while the majority of our athletes are freshmen and sophomores. We are focusing on the basics, building strong skills, and most importantly, learning how to work together as a team.”
Three cheerleaders have come with Nore from the basketball side: senior manager Alexa Scarano, junior Laura Parker and sophomore Hope Scharen.
“I never thought I would pick up cheer in high school, let alone for both basketball and football,” Parker said. “Football cheer is definitely going to be a different experience compared to basketball, but I am excited to see where this season takes us. A big factor in deciding to stick with football cheer this season is thanks to my brother Christian Parker, who was a running back for the JDHS football team. He has and continues to play a big mentor role in my life, and I would love to cheer and be a part of a team that means a lot to not only him but my family."
"I think this year is a great year to rebuild and create a good foundation for the years to come. This year I feel is a great time for me to focus on not only improving on myself but also how I can help another teammate do the same. This team really is amazing about being there for one another, which is just an uplifting feeling when you are not feeling like practicing that specific day, and someone comes to get you into a better mindset.”
Junior classmates include Theresa Weighardt and Lacie Whitehead. Sophomore cheer team members include Dakota Barger, Ashlynn Beedle, Kristine Ryan, Scharen and Genalee Swanson.
“I am excited to bring fun energy to the crowd,” Swanson said. “And excited to learn new skills and make great memories with my teammates. I expect to become a stronger and more confident cheerleader while having practices that will challenge me and help me grow.”
Freshmen members of the team include Helea Bethers, Lucy Burke, Grace Frederick, Courtney Parkin, Karli Porter and Amelia Ryder. The assistant coach is Chelsea Kilgore, and volunteer coach is 2026 JDHS graduate and four-year Crimson Bears cheerleader Karina San Miguel.
“As a freshman coming into this team, I am excited to have the opportunity to bond with and learn alongside teammates,” Burke said. “As well as getting to help bring more spirit into our school this year. I expect for this season to be challenging as we continue to learn and grow together, but I also expect to make new fun memories with my teammates.”
Education is an important part of their program.
The team has completed courses on concussion awareness and sportsmanship, which Nore says “are extremely important to us as student-athletes and representatives of our school and community…Along with developing our cheer skills, our team is excited to promote school spirit and encourage more students and community members to attend games. I remember the days of packed stands, and while we may never return to exactly what that looked like years ago, increasing student participation and bringing more energy to the games would be amazing.”
Nore had a prior stint with football cheer. She coached the team in 2008 up until they became the Juneau Huskies but was unable to apply for the job as it went to school employee preference. She returned a few years later for two years and then turned the program over to new coaches, but not before helping the football cheerleaders take first place at the Alaska Spirit Coaches Association and Rally in the Valley Cheer Competitions.
Nore also started coaching the JDHS basketball cheer squad in 2011. She took a break from coaching from 2014 to 2016, but has since resumed coaching with the basketball squad. Under her guidance, and the team members' hard work, the basketball cheer team has won 10 state titles and two runner-up finishes. They have never placed below second at state.
“There are many traditions connected to both the football and cheer programs, and we are excited to learn, honor and continue those traditions,” Nore said. “Coaching alongside me this season is Chelsea Kilgore, who also brings experience from coaching Huskies cheer and basketball cheer. Together, we bring many years of experience to the program during this transition in coaching staff…We understand that big changes can be challenging, but we are excited for the opportunity to build, grow and get back on track. This young team is ready to learn, improve, create new memories and proudly cheer on the Crimson Bears. This season is challenging with the changes, new expectations, different coaching styles, but the team is coming together and are eager to learn and lead.”
The first home game is Aug. 29, when the JDHS Crimson Bears host the North Pole Patriots at Adair-Kennedy Memorial Park. The varsity game is at 7 p.m. (JV play at 4 p.m.). The varsity cheer team will support and be supported by the JV cheer team members.
Before then, the cheer team will be busy with fundraisers. They will hold a car wash and bake sale at the Juneau Bone and Joint Center this Saturday, from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The cost is $15 per car or truck.
They will also be part of selling season passes along with the football team. Cost is $20 to $30. They will hold sponsorship opportunities through End Zone and a blanket sale fundraiser. To buy passes or sponsorships or contribute to the cheer team, patrons can contact Nore at 907-723-6580. A possible garage sale and outreach on social media are also in the works.
“As we are getting very close to the first home game of the season, I am ready and excited to get out on the track,” sophomore cheerleader Parker said. “I am ready to have some fun with this team, while we are cheering on the football team for the next few months. I am expecting some highs and lows, but I am hoping through the season we just keep improving. There is always going to be days that feel harder to put in the work, and days that feel easier where I’m giving my 110%."
"Coach Carlene always says, ‘Everyone’s best is going to be different. What matters is knowing your best and striving to be that and more the next day, so the next time you step on the mat all the things that once were hard begin to get easier and easier.’ So I hope nearing the middle and end of the season the things that seemed hard are going to be our minimum. For myself it is improving and working hard enough to reach potential. I have already made close connections with all the girls on the team so I am excited to see how those friendships grow. I have a good feeling about this upcoming season.”
• Contact Klas Stolpe at sports@juneauindependent.com.
