Haley Russo- Oswego East Co-Student Athlete of the Week

     Cheerleading does not always earn the distinction it should as one of the toughest individual sports, but anyone who has ever watched a full practice or competition can see how precise, technical, and grueling it can be for an athlete.  Cheerleading demands athletes to be flawless in both technical aspects of tumbling, timing, as well as movement.  Senior Haley Russo demonstrates an ability to excel in both areas, which is why she is this week’s Oswego East Co-Student Athlete of the Week.

     Haley’s true success in cheerleading lies in her ability to tumble.  A gymnast by trade, Haley uses her technical skills to enhance the Wolves’ routines.  Russo’s coach, Ms. Tiffany Scholle, says what stand out about Haley is her “Work ethic and commitment- these two attributes have led Haley to be a strong member of the EAST cheer program for four years.”  Despite cheerleading being largely a team sport, Haley enjoys tumbling because a lot of the exercises take such a high level of skill.  In effect, they are “things other people can’t do,” says Haley. Haley continually pushes herself to be a better tumbler, which is why attaining the tumbling skills of a full and spinning are high on the list individual goals for Haley.

     Although Haley has her own individual goals, the team goals include trying to qualify for IHSA state.  Haley is a big reason why the Wolves have an opportunity to reach such lofty goals.  Scholle says of Russo’s leadership style, “She calmly and quietly exhibits to her team what everyone should be doing from stretching to conditioning to rolling up mats. Haley is also there to be an encouraging voice to her teammates as they are working on a new skill, as she is a senior member and has experience to lend.” 

     Haley’s leadership style will prove useful in her intended major of elementary education.  Currently, Haley is getting invaluable experience at Lakewood Elementary as a part of her internship class.  She is also enrolled in early education classes at East, where she develops lessons and works with pre-K students in class.  Haley plans on attending either Northern Illinois University or North Central College, where she also intends on continuing her cheerleading career.

     Passion, grit, and determination are what have allowed Haley and the cheerleading squad to have success this year, and these characteristics will help make her successful in her future.  Haley advises future wolves to “Be active in school and join a lot of different groups, even if you’re unsure of your interests.”  From the looks of it, Oswego should plan on seeing this Wolf flip into a bright future as she finishes off her time here at East.