Rancho Cucamonga High School’s cheer program hosted its annual Cougarettes cheer clinic on Friday, Oct. 21 at the varsity home football game against Damien High School.

Every year, kids ages 5 to 13 sign up to take part in cheering with RCHS varsity cheerleaders and to perform at half-time during a varsity football game. The participants are called Cougarettes, and they experience what it is like to be a RCHS cheerleader.

“The Cougarette cheer clinic is all about little kids getting the experience to be a cheerleader!” said senior varsity cheer captain, Hannah Hawkins. “At the clinics we do many activities such as games, teaching cheers, stunting, jumps, and so much more.”

The Cougarettes also performed a dance during half-time. They prepared for this performance at the clinics on Wednesday, Oct. 19 and Thursday, Oct. 20 where they learned the dance with the help of the RCHS cheerleaders.

The RCHS cheer clinic is a fundraiser for the cheer program. To participate in the program, the Cougarettes purchased a performance shirt that was $25, or the Cougarette Package which was $40. This package includes the performance shirt, a bow, and pom-poms. The money raised from Cougarettes will go towards the RCHS cheer program.

During the clinics, the Cougarettes learned general cheers, defensive and offensive football cheers, cheer motions, and the half-time dance they performed at the game. 

“Along with performing at half-time, the Cougarettes will be with the varsity cheer team performing cheers with them on their boxes at the home game against Damien,” senior varsity cheer captain Margaux Marquez said.

The Cougarettes vary in age, but according to Marquez, they learn the same routine regardless of age group. The routine was simple and entertained the audience. 

“I don’t believe that there is a Cougarette limit. Everyone is welcomed!” said Hawkins. “Cougarettes is a yearly thing! Sadly we didn’t have the chance to do it the last two years because of Covid, but we are back!”

Now, kids again get the opportunity every year to become a Rancho Cucamonga High School cheerleader for one Friday night.