Bellevue's cheer team, pep band to perform at state

BELLEVUE — Beyond Bellevue's girls basketball team, a couple of other red-related squads received the green light to perform alongside their classmates on the state's grandest stage. Bellevue High School's cheerleaders and pep band obtained special permission from the Ohio High School Athletic Association to formally root on the Lady Red courtside at the Division IV title game. The game takes place at 4:15 p.m. Friday at the University of Dayton Arena with the sport's ultimate prize on the line. And it'll mark the first time either cheerleaders or band members from Bellevue entertain the masses — hyping up the team, in-game spectators and supporters back home watching via stream — during a tournament game this season for girls basketball. Occasionally, the pep band performs during girls home games, however, cheerleaders never suit up for Lady Red contests. But with this historic run, which marks the girls' first-ever state title appearance in basketball, comes unprecedented actions. "In my seven years coaching, we have never cheered for the girls — so this is a huge experience for our girls and honor," Bellevue's cheer adviser Angie Bickhart-Sommers said. Allye Schluchter, a senior and cheer co-captain, thanked all involved for giving her squad, what she considers, a tremendous opportunity. "Having a night to cheer for the girls basketball team at state is huge for us because it's about more than just the game: It's about recognizing their hard work and celebrating their success," Schluchter said. "As cheerleaders, we're here to support all of our teams — and this is our chance to bring the same energy and excitement we do for football and boys basketball," Schluchter added. "They've earned this moment, which will make history, and we want to make sure they feel the full support of the Redmen community." Among those advocating for both groups to energize the crowd during a state title game include Bellevue High School principal Nate Artino and athletic director Cody Cramer. Artino's especially happy about the decision to allow cheerleaders for a state title game. "Their season concluded a couple of weeks ago, so their willingness and enthusiasm around the opportunity speaks to the school spirit we have at Bellevue High School," Artino said. He also applauds band members and those in a certain section who made an extreme sacrifice for the betterment of their school and community. "Our wind ensemble concert band was scheduled to perform at (its) district large group contest on Friday evening," Artino said. "Our director, Chris Meadows, spoke to a group of senior leaders, and they decided they would prefer to take the pep band to the girls game, which, again, speaks to the pride and support we have in our school. Their contest is the biggest event of the year, and they decided to go to Dayton to perform for our girls and fans." Artino also thanked all the other community members, many who have remained anonymous, for their "generous" contributions, such as covering transportation costs on spirit buses to ensure a large student presence at games, including for Friday's marquee matchup. "Our community is amazing," Artino said.