The Spire

Charlotte Kerrigan ‘29

News Editor

Recently, the College of the Holy Cross Cheer team has become integrated into hockey games. The Cheer team made their debut at the men’s ice hockey game on Oct. 2 against the University of Maine and followed with an appearance at the Men’s Hockey game at the DCU Center on Oct. 3. Additionally, the team cheered at the Women’s Ice Hockey game on Oct. 29 against the University of Connecticut.

The idea came to fruition when spirit director Mackenzie Drew was approached by athletic staff and the hockey team about the possibility of having the Cheer team perform at the games. She continued working with the staff to figure out the logistics, especially where the team would sit in the stands, and which parts of game-day cheer would be integrated. Ultimately, the Cheer team was placed next to the band near the student section. By cheering alongside the band and near the student section, the team helps create an energetic atmosphere for fans while supporting both the men’s and women’s hockey programs. These appearances expand the team’s presence at athletic events and allow cheerleaders to share their enthusiasm with a broader audience.

Holy Cross’s spirit programs include three groups: the Goodtime Marching Band, the Bettertime Pep Band, and the Cheer team. Coach Erynn McKay and Spirit Director Mackenzie Drew lead the team. They perform at all home football games, women’s and men’s basketball games, and now select men’s and women’s hockey games. In addition, Cheer has participated in travel opportunities for televised games, as last year they performed at Fenway Park, when the Holy Cross football team played Georgetown. Additionally, they also appeared at the NCAA Women’s March Madness tournament in Michigan.

Cheerleaders also have other opportunities to appear at campus traditions, orientation, and community events. Some examples include freshman move-in, Accepted Students Day, and the Christmas tree lighting. They often volunteer when basketball season finishes up in the spring, participating in events such as working for Worcester and the Dance Marathon.

Across campus, the cheer team strives to encourage Holy Cross pride as well as support the members of our community. Integrating cheer into hockey games helps bring the same spirit to the rink.

According to Spirit Director Mackenzie Drew, “Cheer has really enhanced the game and fan experience and also gives cheerleaders the opportunity to do more of what they love!” This highlights not only the appreciation the students and fans have for the energy cheer brings to the games, but also the passion the cheerleaders have.

For the cheerleaders, first-year cheerleader Olivia Rivera states, “It was such a fun experience to cheer for Holy Cross Hockey!… I am very excited to cheer at more games in the future!”

The Hockey team has also shown its gratitude for the cheer team’s appearances by reaching out to the cheer team, saying they are thankful for the spirit the team brings and are looking forward to future games.

Students can next see the Cheer team at the Men’s Ice Hockey game on Saturday, Nov. 7, against Northeastern University, with additional appearances at hockey games expected throughout the season. Students can also watch the cheer team perform during timeouts and cheer from the sidelines at Holy Cross home football and basketball games.