RRHS holds youth cheer camp

RIO RANCHO — The Rio Rancho Rams cheer program held its annual youth camp in the RRHS gymnasium June 12-13.

“We want to be very inspirational for them so that they can follow in our footsteps someday,” said RRHS cheerleader Iliana Perea, a flyer and a four-year varsity letterman.

Many young cheerleaders rocked the gym with veracious chants, and the energy signaled a successful first outing for the Rams’ new head coach, Nate Batista.

“I love this sport. When I saw the position open, there was no question,” said Batista, who is in his 17th year of coaching cheer.

Campers learned various cheers, stunts and spirit skills from some of the best in Rio Rancho.

“I hope to inspire them as much as I can and by being a role model because it meant a lot to me when I was coming to youth camps,” RRHS cheerleader Talicia Nevaeh said, who is a secondary base on the squad.

All camp attendants were separated into two groups based on age.

While both groups worked on cheers, stunts and spirit skills, the younger kids had a “Wicked” theme with their choreography and routines based on the hit musical and film.

On the last day of camp, a performance was held for the youth cheerleaders to showcase their new skills.

As far as Rio Rancho cheer, there is a new energy heading into this season that might lead to another blue trophy.

“People can definitely be expecting a lot of wins from us this year. Our new coach has brought a lot of hype and so much inspiration,” RRHS main base Sophia Romero said.