分类： sports

Within the vibrant gymnasium of Saint Catherine Academy in Belize City, an unsung force propels one of the nation’s most celebrated athletic programs. While the school’s volleyball team has maintained an unprecedented thirty-year championship streak within the Central Secondary Schools Sports Association, a dedicated cheer squad operates as the program’s vital heartbeat. This dynamic group of twenty-five young athletes provides the relentless energy and moral support that has become synonymous with SCA’s winning culture.

Guiding this spirited ensemble is Tamera Locke, a former SCA cheerleader who now mentors the team as faculty moderator. Under her guidance, the cheer program operates as a year-round commitment, beginning with intensive summer practices. These sessions focus on developing original chants, complex stunts, backflips, and coordinated dances that extend far beyond traditional sideline cheering. Locke emphasizes the athletic rigor involved, stating, “We want to make sure that they know that cheer is not just being in a short skirt, but they also put the hard work and talent into it.”

Team captain Kalise Kisling, who has devoted her entire high school career to the squad, exemplifies this commitment. She describes the role as essential to school spirit, particularly when broader student attendance isn’t possible. “We are always there to give the team the moral support that they need,” Kisling explains, highlighting their perfect attendance record at games.

The volleyball team’s captains openly acknowledge this critical support system. Sara Safa, volleyball team captain, notes the personal encouragement she receives during games, while libero Demi Solano attributes part of the team’s resilience to the cheer squad’s uplifting presence during challenging moments. This mutual respect has fostered a profound sisterhood between athletes and cheerleaders that transcends typical school affiliations.

This culture of support extends to the school mascot, Mercy the Seahawk, who joins the cheerleaders in energizing crowds. Together, they create an environment where athletic excellence and community support intertwine, demonstrating that behind three decades of championship volleyball stands a legacy of sisterhood that proves just as unstoppable as the winning streak it supports.

A preparatory race for Belize’s national cycling team turned disastrous on February 10, 2026, when a high-velocity collision on the challenging terrain of Mountain Pine Ridge Road resulted in multiple serious injuries. The crash, described by participants as one of the most severe in recent memory, involved approximately eight to ten athletes during a critical test event.

Prominent cyclists Oscar Quiroz, Christopher Waight, Leon Leslie, Wendell Williams, and Joslyn Chavarria Junior were urgently transported to medical facilities with significant injuries including severe abrasions, extensive bruising, and bone fractures. Medical reports confirm two riders remain hospitalized: veteran cyclist Roque Matus sustained five fractured ribs and a punctured lung, while Joslyn Chavarria Junior received treatment for a fractured wrist and ankle that will require two weeks of recovery. Additional diagnostic procedures including MRI scans have been scheduled for Christopher Waight and Oscar Quiroz to evaluate potential internal damage.

From his hospital bed, Roque Matus characterized the incident as the most severe accident of his extensive career. Medical personnel performed lung drainage procedures following his pulmonary injury, with subsequent X-rays indicating positive progress toward recovery. Despite the severity of his injuries, Matus maintained an optimistic outlook, acknowledging the support from well-wishers and the cycling community.

When questioned about his return to professional cycling, Matus adopted a measured perspective, emphasizing the uncertain nature of recovery from such significant trauma. Medical professionals have projected a rehabilitation timeline spanning eight to twelve weeks for the most severely injured athletes. The cycling community has mobilized support for the affected athletes as investigations continue into the circumstances surrounding the mass collision during the downhill segment of the training race.

While Saint Catherine Academy’s volleyball team maintains its formidable presence on the court, an equally dedicated force operates from the sidelines—the institution’s cheer squad. This cohesive unit of twenty-five young women, spanning all high school grade levels, has become the catalytic energy source behind the school’s remarkable thirty-year winning legacy.

Under the guidance of Tamera Locke, a former squad member who now serves as moderator, the cheer team maintains an exhaustive year-round schedule. Their responsibilities extend beyond game-day performances to include pep rallies and comprehensive preparatory activities. “We prepare them for games, pep rallies, and everything in between. It’s a year-round commitment,” Locke emphasized, highlighting the substantial dedication required to meet audience expectations.

Seventeen-year-old Kalise Kisling captains the squad, ensuring consistent support mechanisms for the volleyball athletes throughout their competitive season. The symbiotic relationship between athletes and cheerleaders was underscored by volleyball team captain Sara Safa, who noted their unwavering presence regardless of game outcomes. “They’re there for every single day game. They’re by our side, despite whether we lose the point or we win the point,” Safa affirmed, illustrating the profound solidarity between the teams.

The full narrative of this athletic partnership will be featured in an upcoming television segment on News 5 at 6 o’clock, promising deeper insights into this enduring sports tradition.