Freedom High School cheerleading coach Lynn Spina is well into her second season as head varsity coach of 25 girls on the Patriot squad.

Senior captains are Elaine Fink, Shauna Moller, Lauren Kelly, and Loren Miller. Other seniors are Brittany Weaver, Maggie Wrobel, Rachel Pardoe, Anissa Vazquez, and Emily Randall.

"This year is 100-percent different," said Spina. "Last year, everyone was learning, and trying to catch up and keep up. Now I know what to expect, and I can be proactive and plan better."

New for this year is that the Patriots have one varsity squad instead of two, meaning they will not be divided into a spirit team and a competition team.

"I wanted to help build a stronger sense of team, but I noticed last year there was a division," Spina said.

Also new this year is an East Penn Conference Competition scheduled for Dec. 10 at Shawnee Middle School in Easton.

"The girls are learning a lot of new stunts, new fun stuff," said Spina.

The Patriots are also working more with the student council and the Riot Squad.

"This group of girls I've known for a long time. There's a greater sense of team and working well together. We take everyone into account. I'm very happy with that," Spina said.