The new Arcata High cheer coach has lots of support. If you’ve attended a football game this year, you may have noticed a new face heading the cheer squad. Her name is Amy Collenberg, and she’s the new cheer coach here after Coach Stephanie retired last year.
Collenberg has been coaching cheer locally for five years, participating in the sport herself when she attended high school. She has two kids who both attend Arcata High School. Her daughter, sophomore Mya Collenberg, is a part of the cheer team in the fall and winter, while in the spring, she runs as a sprinter on the track and field team. Her son, junior Skyler Collenberg, plays football and is also coached by his mom during track and field as a thrower.
“I’m most excited for our cheer routines and to see the progression from the beginning to the end of the season,” Collenberg said. “That’s where the competition lies in this sport, just trying to make yourself better than you were at the start of the season.”
The athletes are happy to have Collenberg as their coach, and she is delighted that she was selected. Her goal is to try and pull off more complicated stunts this season so the team is prepared to shine during basketball.
“We are determined and flexible when it comes to changes. We know how to take criticism and always slay [while performing],” senior Sadie Shelmire said. Shelmire has been on the cheer team for four years.
Collenberg wants her athletes to have a voice in their sport. “I’m all about the ladies’ input. If they want to try a stunt or skill, we will do it.”
