Fans of Netflix's Cheer were introduced to some new Bulldogs during the second installment of the docuseries, including sophomore alternate flyer, Brooke Morosca. Her heartbroken phone call to her mother when she didn't "make mat" was featured in one of the season's first episodes. Earlier in the same episode, she explained to cameras that only 20 people get to make mat and that the competition for those spots is incredibly fierce.
Brooke shared her apprehension about her own chances of making mat in the wake of the return of teammate Gabi Butler, whose technical skills are widely considered the best in the country by those involved with the sport. Viewers watched sympathetically as Brooke tearfully broke her disappointing news to her mom. However, many Cheer fans wondered exactly what it would mean for the cheerleader going forward.
The Navarro College cheer squad is known for its 14 national cheer championships, and the team accepts roughly 40 cheerleaders each season. After the season begins, those 40 athletes compete against one another for a position "on the mat," which means getting to perform in front of the judges at the NCA national championships in Daytona.
Only 20 Mat Positions Are Available
Since there are only 20 mat positions available, half the team is off the mat once the mat selection process is over. When a cheerleader doesn't "make mat," they fill a different role during the rest of the season. Audiences have seen several of their favorite Bulldogs cut from mat during the first two seasons of Cheer. Not making mat does not mean that their season is over. Cheerleaders relegated to the sidelines also have important jobs, as they support their teammates when they are training to perform.
Throughout season one, boisterous alternate Jerry Harris became well-known for his infectious shrieking and clamoring, as he encouraged his teammates from the sidelines. It was this relentless enthusiasm that eventually earned him a spot on the mat after another teammate sustained an injury and was unable to continue training. Navarro is a team that relies heavily on support from itself. Cheerleaders who are not on the mat play an important part in providing that support.
Athletes Who Don't Make Mat Become Alternates
Cheerleaders like Morgan or Alex (from season one), who don't make mat on selection day, become alternates. Alternates have to learn the entire routine, just like their teammates who did make mat. They have to be ready to step into any position at any time if a teammate gets injured, or is otherwise unable to fulfill their obligation. This could happen early on in the season, as in the case of awkward alternate-turned-celebrity Morgan Simianier, or in the middle of the performance at Daytona, as with Alex Bouhuys, who stepped in at literally the last minute when Austin Bayles injured his ankle during the competition.
Being an alternate means that a cheerleader has to learn everyone's part since they never know who they might need to step in for. It also requires a lot of self-motivation to keep practicing and working on the routine, knowing the odds of getting to perform it at the championship are quite slim.
Those Who Don't Make Mat Have Other Duties
While the series mainly follows the squad on its journey to the NCA championship, the Navarro squad members also cheer for other sports teams at the college. When the squad is not preparing for their annual April performance in Daytona, they are cheering on the school's football, basketball, and volleyball teams. All squad members are required to perform at these games, regardless of their mat status for the Daytona competition.
Supporting these teams is a vital part of being a Navarro cheerleader. The teams' presence at these games has become something that the crowds look forward to almost as much as the games themselves. Additionally, the Bulldogs participate in minor meets and showcases with other Texas-based squads, where those who have not made mat for Daytona can perform.
Fans' hearts broke for Brooke as she struggled to hold back the tears when stone-faced coach Monica Aldama announced the mat positions and Brooke's name was not called. However, she handled the disappointment with grace and class. It seems she grasped what the cameras have failed to show during these first two seasons of Cheer, which is that there is a lot more to being a Navarro cheerleader than just making mat and competing in Daytona.