1st Place, Sports Feature Story
2021-22, Division 2, News Writing
By Samantha Sewick
The Sailors’ Log
Mona Shores HS
In a school that bleeds school spirit, cheerleading is the name of the game. Add some shared DNA into the mix, and the Foucheas are ready for a crowd.
Senior Livi Fouchea and freshman Claire Fouchea use their special relationship both on and off the mat.
“With being on the same team and being sisters, we share so much already, so we definitely have to work really hard to be individuals too,” said Livi, who is a base while Claire is a flyer. “With being in different stunting positions, we encourage each other rather than having to compete against each other to be the better ‘sister’ in that certain position.”
As a freshman on varsity, Claire certainly had a lot to prove – to herself, the team, and to Livi.
“It’s definitely intimidating being one of the youngest ones of the team,” Claire said. “It was even harder being the ‘little sister’ too. But it’s been great. It’s brought us closer together as sisters in a crazy way.”
Rather than use their common love as a wedge between the two of them, the Foucheas use their passion to bond and – in typical sibling fashion – outdo each other.
“We’re both constantly pushing each other to our full potential,” Livi said. “We always have to one-up each other. There have been days where one of us gets a new skill and then somehow the other pulls it off.”
Likewise, Claire agrees that their competitive nature helps push them to better themselves and each other.
“We both definitely want to be better than the other person in everything we do,” Claire said. “Sometimes we can go overboard, but it mostly pushes us to our full potential, and we’re both excited to watch the other.”
With a three-year age gap, conflicts are inevitable, but these sisters know how to make their time on the mat special.
“We get along about 95 percent of the time, but we still have moments where we struggle and bring our arguments with us to cheer,” said Livi, who is finishing her cheer career at Shores while Claire’s is just beginning. “Being on the same team has definitely brought us closer together, and we’ve become best friends throughout the season.”
More than just sharing a passion, Claire dedicates her inspiration to Livi for diving into cheer in the first place.
“One of the main reasons I decided to cheer was because of Livi,” Claire said. “I looked up to her so much and truly wanted to be just like her. To have someone to share that with that’s already someone you are close with is very important, even when it is the little things like asking how to do a part, or simply advice to do better.”
Even through the roller coaster that a new year and season brings, one thing is constant: the Foucheas and their drive.
“My goal for both of us is to make it to the state finals this year. It’d be such a cool experience for us to share,” said Livi, who has been to State Finals three times before; however, this will be the first year Shores competes in Division I. “Even if we don’t make it that far, I just want us both to be able to cherish the season we get together.”
As Livi’s time in her uniform draws to a close, she has one final legacy to leave behind…her love for the sport and her sister.
“The biggest goal I have for Claire this season is that I want her to gain more confidence and realize how great of a cheerleader she truly is,” Livi said. “I’m so proud of all that she’s become.”
NW-19. Sports Feature Story
Stories may include personality profile, informative, interpretive (why), and/or human interest features specifically related to sports.
Judging Criteria
- Lead captures attention, arouses curiosity
- Emphasizes new element,fresh angle
- Colorful, lively presentation; effective form/style
- Descriptive writing demonstrates the concept of “show, don’t tell”
- Reflects adequate research, sound interviewing techniques
- Avoids summaries of published materials
- Effective use of facts/quotes
- Interesting; appeals to the emotions
- Proper diction/grammar