The Ilwaco High School cheerleading squad is practicing in sunshine knowing less pleasant fall weather is ahead. Back row, left to right, are Ireland McKenzie, Elly Hamm, Emma Sorenson and Addyson Cox. At front are Toby Graves, Hailey Hightower and Jenna Karnofski.

Hailey Hightower is effervescent.

As captain of the Ilwaco cheerleading squad, the senior is enjoying a leadership role she embraces.

IHS football/cheer schedule

IHS football/cheer schedule

Sept. 20 Wahkiakum

Sept. 27 Morton-White Pass, homecoming

Oct. 4 Forks

Oct. 11 Pe Ell-Willapa Valley

Oct. 25 Adna, senior night

“I have always liked to go to the games, and it’s really fun to have a part in making sure the student section enjoys it,” she said. “The most difficult thing is the half-time shows and learning new dances. They take multiple days to learn, and when we are doing a big dance for the first time it’s a little bit scary.”

She leads a team of seven who are planning to make some coordinated noise and demonstrate dance moves at Fishermen home football games this fall.

Joining her are returning sophomores Jenna Karnofski and October “Toby” Graves, plus three newcomers, senior Ireland McKenzie and freshmen Emma Sorenson and Addyson Cox. Completing the line-up is junior Elly Hamm, who has transferred from Naselle where she had cheer experience.

They plan for the football players to hear loud support. “And a little bit of the victory comes from the cheerleaders — if we can motivate them,” Hightower said.

The unit is coached by Carole Chase, who is returning to the role she filled 2009 to 2011. She was a four-year cheerleader at Warrenton High School from 1994 to 1998 and at Oregon State University in 1999. Her background is rich in dance, having coached and choreographed ensembles, including Astoria’s Pizazz, which won the Oregon high school championships in 2015.