Manteca High School student Ryder Sanesanong poses in his school’s green and black cheer uniform on October 23, 2026, showing his school spirit ahead of the Buffaloes’ football season. (Alyssa Medina/The Tower)
By ALYSSA MEDINA
The Tower
Ryder Sanesanong, a junior at Manteca High School, brings his athletic ability and energy to the sidelines as a varsity cheerleader in his first year on the team.
From performing under the Friday night lights to helping his teammates improve their skills, Sanesanong has spent years developing his abilities and learning what it means to be part of a team.
Sanesanong began cheerleading in 2019 after previously participating in gymnastics. Throughout his cheerleading journey, he has earned several accomplishments, including becoming a one-time Summit champion and a two-time All-American.
Joining varsity has given him the opportunity to perform in front of larger crowds and work with a new group of teammates and coaches. He said one of his favorite parts of cheerleading is performing under the lights during games.
“I love cheering underneath the lights because everybody gets to see what potential we have on the sidelines,” Sanesanong said.
As a flyer and tumbler, Sanesanong performs elevated stunts and acrobatic skills that showcase his athleticism and entertain the crowd. His coach, Teicheira, said his athletic ability and willingness to improve make him a valuable teammate, with jumps being one of his biggest strengths.
As a flyer, Sanesanong performs stunts in the air while his teammates lift and support him. As a tumbler, he performs skills such as flips and handsprings that add energy and excitement to the team's routines.
“Ryder is an amazing cheerleader. He's obviously very talented. He is a good team member and a good friend,” Teicheira said.
Manteca High School cheerleader Ryder Sanesanong stands on the sidelines of the football field at St. Francis proudly holding his pom-poms on Aug. 28, 2026. (Photo contributed by Zuzu Sami)
Along with his individual skills, Sanesanong supports his teammates by offering advice, encouraging them to work harder, and bringing energy to practices and performances. Teicheira said his ability to support others and accept coaching helps him stand out as a teammate. He motivates others to perform to their fullest potential, even when things go wrong, and continues to improve his own skills.
“He's always pushing his teammates to work harder, to do more stunts, and to do harder things,” Teicheira said.
One of Sanesanong’s biggest challenges was fracturing his ankle twice, first during gymnastics and again a year later. His second injury required a six-week cast, keeping him from practicing and performing. Despite these setbacks, he continues to improve his tumbling and stunting skills.
Teicheira said the team’s larger squad this year has also created more opportunities to perform skills that were difficult to accomplish with fewer members in the previous season.
Sanesanong said teamwork is especially important in cheerleading because every person has a role in making stunts successful. Outside of performing, some of his favorite memories come from bus rides with his teammates, especially after winning games.
As the season continues, Sanesanong hopes to learn new skills that he can use during his senior year and continue growing as a varsity cheerleader.