The Lakeview cheer squad is starting the season a little differently this year as they have acquired a new coach. Coach Morgan Jankovich has stepped up to be the new Bulldog cheer coach. Growing up in the community, Jankovich went to Lakeview High School, where she began cheerleading during her 8th-grade year. Prior to cheerleading, Jankovich was a competitive dancer during her younger years.
Jankovich is “so excited to be taking over the cheerleading program here at Lakeview. As Lakeview cheerleading alumni, this has always been a part of a little dream I’ve had since I was young.”
Over the summer, Jankovich focused on sharpening and energizing sideline cheers and band dances. Looking forward, Jankovich put a lot of time and effort into choreographing halftime dances for the upcoming basketball season. She plans to make this a fun and memorable season for her cheerleaders.
Jankovich states, “One of the things I am most looking forward to as head coach is creating a unified program throughout the squads. I was inspired by former Lakeview alumni and coach, Taylor Mostoller, with how she created a program in which so much support for one another, passion for leadership, and sisterhood existed. Another thing I am really looking forward to is watching the girls dance during the basketball game half times. Getting to tap into my dance roots and see my choreography visions come to life will be so rewarding and exciting this year. My fantastic and supportive coaching staff has been with me every step of the way during this transition year, and I couldn’t be more appreciative of them. I am looking forward to a season of growth, mentorship, and fun.”
It is certain that Jankovich plans on looking for growth, stability, and overall progression throughout her cheerleading squad. With lots of cheerleaders returning, the season is destined to be great due to experience and skill from the girls.
Senior Varsity Cheerleader, Sydney Harry, states, “I really like how this year we’ve gotten to have fun things as a team that is more than just a practice, like team bonding that Jankovich has let us do. This way we can build more of a bond between all of us rather than everything we do being practice. I’m also very happy with the bond the varsity cheerleaders have.”
With it being Harry’s senior season, she looks forward to seeing what Jankovich has in store for this season. Like Harry said, team bonding is a significant feature to have as a cheerleading squad. All freshmen through seniors benefit from bonding each year. By Jankovich creating team bonding activities not only outside of practice but inside as well, it helps everyone connect better and builds genuine friendships.
Sophomore Junior Varsity Cheerleader, Payton Tiscenko states, “I really feel like Jank adds so much to our program. Since she’s an alumni cheerleader, she knows exactly what it’s like to be in our shoes, and that makes such a difference. I’m so thankful to have her as our coach, and I’m excited to see what this football and basketball season will bring with her leading us! I’m also super excited to bring the spirit to the school. One thing Lakeview will always have is school spirit!”
Tiscenko and Harry both share positive outlooks regarding their football and basketball seasons. They strive to have no negative factors that will impact their talent and dedication they put into cheerleading.
It appears that Tiscenko and Harry are very excited about these upcoming seasons. They believe the team will make great strides and improve significantly under their new coach. Jankovich’s experience and ambitious goals make her an ideal addition to the Lakeview girls’ cheerleading program.
