If you have ever been to a Brainerd football or basketball game, chances are you've seen the Warrior cheer team.
For the first time in Warrior history, the Brainerd cheer team will be attending the UCA National Championship Feb. 9 in Orlando, Fla.
"Often times, people do not realize what Brainerd cheer is about," Brainerd head coach Carissa Ulness said, "In the past, we only cheered on the sidelines at games, but this year we were able to perform our competition routine during the halftime show of the homecoming football game and it really took people by surprise."
In March 2018, Ulness was promoted from a second-year assistant coach to head coach of the Warriors cheer team.
During Ulness' time as coach, she has focused her priorities on team bonding inside and outside of the practice room.
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"My goal this year is to No. 1, have fun and No. 2, not place last at Nationals," Ulness said. "In order to do so, we must execute a clean, sharp routine and get our stunts up to the level they are supposed to be."
Ulness' son, freshman Zachary Capistrant, joined the cheer squad this year to become the only male on the Warriors.
"Being the only male on the squad really doesn't feel that different," Capistrant said. "A lot of guys in my school don't understand how difficult cheering is. I have played football, baseball and track, but cheerleading has been the hardest sport out of all."
The overall feeling for nationals contain lots of nerves.
Capistrant agreed: "Our biggest competitor at nationals will 100 percent be ourselves. We are trying to practice controlling our nerves and performing our routine up to our fullest ability."
Junior Kaylee Sutton is the Warrior captain. She has set a goal to advance to the semifinal round. One of Sutton's long-term goals is to finish school and follow in Ulness' footsteps and become a Warrior cheer team coach.
Ulness wanted to thank all the area businesses who donated toward their nationals trip. The Warrior cheer team is hosting a silent auction fundraiser 4 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 26 at the Brainerd Legion. Tickets are $13 at the door or can be purchased in advance for $10. For any freewill donations contact Ulness at Bhswarriorcheer@gmail.com or 218-821-8831.
For more photos from the cheer team performing at the Brainerd girls basketball game, go to https://bit.ly/2sOtSUN .
