Madison cheerleading co-captain a leader in the gym, classroom, school newsroom
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REXBURG — This weekend marked the start of competition season for the Madison High School cheer squad, with their first event Saturday in Blackfoot.
The team performed three varsity routines: sideline, show and pom — and took first place in all three. Led by cheer Co-captain Sadie Cooper, the team is on its way to their ultimate goal: State.
“We competed against some tough teams, including several from Boise,” Cooper said. “We got a good feel for what’s happening with the other teams.”
The first competition is always hard and the bobcats have put in extra practices to make sure they were ready for their first competition, while still cheering for both the girls and boys basketball teams.
“It’s been a rough week, but we’re staying motivated,” Cooper said. “Our focus was on being clean and confident in our routines. We have a lot of talent this year, so it’s just about working together and wanting it.”
Cooper began cheerleading as a freshman after years of dance and gymnastics. Now in her fourth year of cheer, she leads her team with confidence and precision. As a cheer captain, she takes charge of organizing routines, deciding on uniforms and calling cheers at games alongside her co-captain. But the most important role is keeping the other girls motivated.
“We have so much talent on our team,” she said, “I alway remind them how hard we work in practice and how much time we put into cheer. I always say we know these routines so let’s get on the mat and hit it. We have what it takes to win.”
At Madison High School, Cooper is more than just a cheer captain—she’s a leader in the classroom and serves as editor-in-chief of the school’s newspaper..
Being editor-in-chief of the Bobcat Beat, a multimedia student journalism program with an active website and social media presence, she has a lot of responsibility. The Bobcat Beat showcases student work through articles, videos, Instagram reels and now podcasts.
“This trimester, we’re launching a new podcast — it’s exciting to try something different and grow our audience,” Cooper said. “As editor, I oversee stories, manage the Bobcat Beat’s digital platforms, and teach my peers how to improve their writing and reporting skills. It’s fun to help others while being involved in the school this way.”
Balancing cheerleading, academics and her editorial duties is no small feat, but Cooper takes it in stride.
“It’s not as much work as I thought it would be,” she said. “I just try to stay organized and focused on what needs to be done.”
Currently holding a 3.9 GPA, she plans to attend BYU-Idaho before attending a dental hygiene program, likely at Idaho State University.
“Doing well in school is important to me,” Cooper said. “It’ll make getting into college easier, and I just want to get it all done now.”
From the gym floor to the editor’s desk, Sadie Cooper embodies the spirit of Madison High School.
“I love this school,” she said. “The sportsmanship, the community — it’s just a great place to be.”