Imagine being at the pep rally with a wild crowd. The Powderpuff cheerleaders are announced. The crowd becomes more insane. While watching the routines, screaming, and shouting, thoughts arise: how are the performances possible and why did people decide to participate?

“I have older brothers, and, when I was younger, they told me stories about their practices,” senior Ben Kleit said. “I would go to the Powderpuff games to see their routines, and it seemed like something I couldn’t pass up.”

The Powderpuff cheerleading routines are beloved by many, but do the spectators know how much preparation goes into the performance? There are many components to the shows, such as deciding upon the dance routine, music, and allowing time for ample practice.

Powderpuff showcases male cheerleaders and female football players who are coached by varsity cheer and football team members. Every year, the boys perform at the pep rally and halftime during the Powderpuff game that the girls play in. This year, the seniors demolished the juniors 124-66.

Each year, Powderpuff occurs to raise money for a local cause. This year’s proceeds totaled $9,000 and benefited Operation Backpack, an organization that collects food for homeless and hungry students in 31 schools including Spring-Ford, Pottstown, Pottsgrove, Boyertown, and Upper Perk.

This year’s Powderpuff cheerleaders participated for reasons that included family legacy, as was Kleit’s reason, and friendly peer pressure.

“A friend gave me the idea, but I wasn’t really into it at first,” junior Chris Megella stated. “Then, after much convincing, it happened.”

Others became involved because of how Powderpuff supports the community.

“Powderpuff sounded really fun, and since watching it sophomore year, I always wanted to do something funny for my school to help a cause,” exclaimed junior Sean Laing.

After the teams were formed, each created a routine with music to accompany it.

“The other coaches and I equally made up dances and met to pick the music out from a list the boys helped us make,” claimed junior Olivia Householder.

With the routines established, each team started practicing. Each year, there are usually participants who sign up not knowing how to do the tricks that exhilarate the audience. For example, every Powderpuff cheerleader featured said that they had to learn either the flips or stunts.

“I knew how to dance, but I had no idea how to flip,” junior Luke Scarpato said.

There are also many people who feel they cannot participate because they are not in good physical shape. However, body type does not matter according to Powderpuff participants.

“A friend told me that you didn’t have to be fit to be in Powderpuff,” said junior Sam Shelton.

Preparing for Powderpuff is a team effort between the Powderpuff cheerleaders and their coaches, resulting in shows that students, faculty, and parents never seem to be disappointed by.