Ridgeview cheer is bringing it on the sidelines and in competitions

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- On Friday nights, the atmosphere on the field and in the gym is like no other. The touchdowns, the hits, the dunks and the celebrations all bring the crowd to life. But an under-appreciated and key component that ties it all together is the cheerleaders on the sidelines.

"I think it's important to build that positivity around each and every sport," said senior Chantel McGarry-Mills.

Senior Chantel McGarry-Mills and the Ridgeview cheer squad have been bringing energy and positivity to each and every game.

"You have us there as leaders to kind of help build the positive cheers and the positive chants, to build up the other team and build up our team as well, and not purposely break down the other team. That definitely is a great aspect to have in a school," McGarry-Mills added.

But they aren’t just making an impact during the games. The Ravens are competing at the highest level, recently placing first in Varsity Traditional at the Tualatin Last Chance Competition last weekend.

Junior Ellie Norris said, "We just have to put a lot of trust into each other, and we just kind of cheer each other on - we are each other's cheerleaders. So I think just having that support with each other helps make it as exciting."

Norris cherishes being a part of the Ravens cheer squad, where the team’s bond feels like a family, especially with the seniors leading the way.

"The season with them has been great, honestly," Norris added. "They've just helped make our team a team this year. And I think without them, it's going to be really heartbreaking. So I'm just excited to perform with them one last time."

After a second-place finish a season ago, senior Kenzie Baker is confident in this year’s team and its ability to win gold at the state meet.

"I think we just need to be closer as a team and just really believe in ourselves. And I think that's how we can get there," Baker said.

Whether it's in the heat of competition or rallying from the sidelines, cheer is more than just a sport — it’s a force of energy, unity, and empowerment that fuels the excitement of all sports.

"Well, it means a lot to me," Baker said. "My sister cheered here as well, and it's just nice to be here for four years, and end it I think on a good note," Baker said.

McGarry-Mills added, "Show up every single day for these girls, and they show up for me every single day. And we haven't stopped yet. And it's just all about being a family and pushing through together."

The Ridgeview Ravens will take the mat at 1:35 p.m. on Saturday at Oregon City High School, looking to bring home the top prize.