Samuelson relishes position as role model to aspiring youth
The Cornwall High School varsity cheerleading team recently held a clinic for young cheerleaders of the future. The kids were taught how to dance and also learned a cheer.
Afterwards, a few of the kids approached Peter Samuelson and commented they wanted to be like him and hoped to be able to perform the same steps one day.
“It feels good to be a role model for young kids so they feel comfortable being where I am now,” said Samuelson, who has been cheerleading for three years, starting in his freshman year.
Although part of a team, what makes Samuelson unique is he’s the only male cheerleader on the team and the first the school has had in several years.
“It definitely feels good to start the trend and make other boys comfortable with joining the cheer team. It’s definitely a good start to a new program in our school. It’s nice to make a name for our school.”
Competition doesn’t start for another month, but the team will be up against new teams since they will be challenged by other coed squads.
Originally a runner on the cross country and track teams, Samuelson felt unfulfilled. As a middle school student he began teaching himself how to do flips in his front yard. At first he was hesitant about trying out, but a friend inspired him and he successfully made the cut for the 2019 winter season.
“I took a leap and knew this was what I wanted [but] I wasn’t sure if I would fit in or if I would do alright. There are a lot of components to cheerleading that I’d never done prior to just flipping. I knew it was going to be a challenge, but that I was up for it. I knew I would work hard to get up to par with everyone else. It’s brought a lot of good things in my life.”
Besides learning how to properly conduct cheer motions and improving his dance moves, Samuelson has excelled as a backstop, the person who stands behind the two bases while a fourth cheerleader, the flyer, is tossed in the air during stunt performances.
“I’ve learned how to be a team player and that you can’t excel individually without having your team excel with you. Everyone plays an important part on the team. We all just have to do our job to get it done. Good results come from that.”
As the only male on the squad, Samuelson doesn’t take the role lightly and says he feels added pressure because he believes others expect more from him.
“Sometimes I like having the spotlight on me because I’m the only boy. There is added pressure because boys are expected to do more and accomplish more skills. Mentally I have to be able to compete with other teams, as well as myself, to be better. I wouldn’t say it’s bad pressure but it’s good pressure to help me strive to be better.”
While his teammates have accepted him, Samuelson does experience some backlash from his peers, but he said it’s more on a subliminal level. He’s made to feel like he’s not good enough and won’t excel to help the team win a championship. His response is to tell the naysayers they’re wrong and that if they want something, they just have to go for it.
“They would understand if they were in my shoes. It’s just kind of shows they’re being jealous. I have to learn not to listen to them and prove to them that they’re wrong.”
Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic putting an end to all athletic competitions, the varsity cheerleaders were reigning Section 9 champions.
The team attended the New York State Championships for the first time, but finished 10th out of 13 teams.
Facing more difficult squads this year, Samuelson said the team is up to the challenge and is hopeful it can contend for a title and perhaps make it to nationals.
