The Canton-Galva cheer team may be one of the state’s smallest, but what it lacks in numbers, the cheerleaders make up for in heart and competitiveness. 

During 2022, the Canton-Galva team won another Class 1A state championship after a runner-up finish in 2021.

Coach Jennifer Becker knows what it takes to be successful, and with four team members they have to work even harder. 

“Our team is a cohesive unit,” Becker said. “They rely on each other and continuously uplift and encourage each other.”

Becker notes how hard they work but also understands that because they are so close, it may not feel like work or a job when they all love it. 

“It says a lot about a team when you can’t tell how hard they’re working because of the amount of joy and laughter that’s happening at the same time,” Becker said. 

The team is led by senior captain Brecken Pearson, who has been cheering for all four years. Next there’s junior Brinley Becker, an All-American cheerleader who, just like Pearson, was a part of the 2020 state championship team. Sophomore Emma Anderson and junior Emma Herrera have each cheered for a year and continue to get more confident and help the team. And last but not least is junior Lane McMannis, their mascot. 

A big part of the team’s success has been the environment that Becker created for them.

“I want everyone to feel valued,” Becker said. “I feel that involving the team in making choices, sharing their opinions and allowing them opportunities to contribute and add value to their team equates to a higher level of commitment and dedication.” 

The Canton-Galva cheer team has become one of the premier programs in the state despite their slight numbers. With a growth in their youth cheer camps, Becker knows the future will be even brighter.