A mother’s role is ever-evolving, but one thing remains constant: She will always be her child’s biggest cheerleader. A few lucky moms in Ripon have the opportunity to take on the role of both supporter and coach. For them, discovering the balance and bonding in the incredible sport of Cheerleading is only half of the routine.

Cheerleading is so popular in Ripon that our town fills two teams, the Ripon Chiefs and the Ripon Knights. These private athletic programs feature multi-tiered football and cheerleading teams for kids ages 5-14. Each team has roughly 25 cheerleaders, meaning over 100 girls participate in the programs each year.

The Chiefs and Knights have developed a friendly rivalry that fuels football players and cheerleaders alike. Both programs are entirely volunteer-run, and that means most of the cheerleading coaches are also moms. The time and dedication required from these families is a huge commitment, but the rewards are just as big for those involved.

The Ripon Chiefs, founded in 1985, originally had cheerleading as a sideline activity. Since then, it has evolved into a highly competitive sport.

Heather Cristalinas, Junior Varsity head coach for the Chiefs, says, “Watching the strength, hard work, and bravery these girls put into this sport has given me an appreciation for cheer. Seeing Olivia grow in these qualities while making unforgettable memories and friendships has been an incredible experience.” Heather’s daughter, Olivia (11), is in her fourth year with the Chiefs. Charlotte Long (12), also a fourth-year cheerleader, shares Olivia’s enthusiasm for the team. Olivia explains, “The best part of [having my mom as my coach] was when I was struggling with something, she was there.” 

Katie Long, Cheer Director, League Representative, Varsity Head Coach, and Charlotte’s mom, knows what it’s like to grow up in the Ripon cheer scene. She cheered for the Chiefs as a child and later for the Ripon High School Indians. When Charlotte showed an interest in cheerleading, Katie was thrilled to see her take to the sport naturally. “This is my third year with the Chiefs organization. I love watching the girls grow as individuals and as a team throughout the season.”

Meanwhile, down the block, the Ripon Knights cheerleaders are just as dedicated and share a similar background, having been founded in 2007. Sue Green, Assistant Varsity Coach for the Knights, has a long history in the sport. She cheered for the Knights in high school and later coached for the Chiefs while attending Stanislaus State. Now, she’s coaching her daughter, Taya Christensen (14), and cherishing every moment.

“I love to see her excel in something she’s good at. Watching her make friends, build communication skills, and work with teammates. She has learned to put herself out there in front of a crowd,” Sue says. “It is wonderful to be a part of it. These years go by so fast. Being a part of that makes my heart thrive even more.”

Shauna Wallace, Cheer Representative and JV Assistant Coach for the Knights, also has a lifetime of cheer experience. She started as a four-year-old mascot for the Manteca Cowboys and went on to compete at Nationals in Las Vegas when she was 11. She cheered through college at Stanislaus State, where cheer was a club, not an athletic team. In the absence of paid leadership, she acted as both a cheerleader and coach. As a coach and board member, she now plays a pivotal role in the Knights’ program.

Her daughter, Austin Brooks (11), follows in her footsteps on the JV team. She says, “The best part of having my mom as my coach is that I spend lots of quality time with her.” 

For Shauna, the best part of coaching is the incredible support system of fellow moms who step in for one another. “The way I can explain it best is it takes a village to raise our kids to be the young adults and women we want them to become,” Shauna says. “When you are coaching among other women who are also very empowering, and they want the best for your daughter, it is phenomenal. We are trying to teach them skills, and your kid may not feel like listening to mom. It is great to be able to step back and know my fellow coaches can step in.”

Once football season wraps up in November, both teams shift their focus to competitive cheer. Their hard work culminates in the biggest event of all, the Nationals in Las Vegas. The 2024 season marked the first the Knights competed in this huge competition, and they didn’t disappoint. The Knights’ Varsity team placed 1st, with JV and Novice earning 2nd place as well. The Ripon Chiefs organization is eager to join them next year at JAMZ Nationals!

Taya Christensen says of her experience at the competition, “When I stepped onto the Nationals floor, I felt my heart beating to the tips of my toes. But, once our routine was over, I felt relief, and my nerves went to joy.” 

As privately run programs, both teams rely on fundraising to keep cheerleading accessible. Those looking to support the programs can find fundraising and volunteer opportunities through their websites and social media pages. 

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History made! For the first time, three Knights Youth Cheer squads competed at JAMZ Nationals in Las Vegas, one of the country's largest and most prestigious cheer competitions. Teams from across the nation train for months to showcase their skills on this high-energy stage. "Our Novice and JV squads delivered outstanding performances, each earning 2nd place, while Varsity wowed the judges and brought home a well-deserved 1st place title!" Congratulations to these hardworking athletes and dedicated coaches for their commitment, passion, and incredible achievements!