Cheer

Have you ever wondered what goes into making our school events so lively and spirited? It’s not just the catchy cheers and impressive stunts—it’s our dedicated cheer squad working hard behind the scenes. This month, we’re taking a closer look at our cheerleaders, from the challenges they overcome to the things they are most excited about. I talked to the cheer teams' coach Shawnte Washington and asked her a few questions about what the cheerleaders have done to prepare for this year's cheer season. Coach Washington said, “We attended summer camp at OU where the girls learned to work as a team and worked on cheers and stunts to showcase on the sidelines.  We also had summer practices during Summer Pride.” As the faces of school spirit, the cheerleaders are held to high expectations, Washington included, saying, “I expect the cheerleaders to conduct themselves respectably and positively. They should strive to set the best example possible for our school and community as well as promote school spirit and support all other sports and organizations within the school.” the cheerleaders always seem busy with everything they do including competitions. When asked about competitions, Coach Washington said, “We only compete in the Game Day Competition. In years past, we have competed in OSSAA. Last year, we switched it up a bit and competed with the J&C Competition along with our junior high cheer team. This year, we are going back to OSSAA, where we will be competing in the 3A Division. The Regional Game Day Competition is on Saturday, November 9th. Location and times will be available closer to time.” Being a part of the Wampus Cats cheerleading team comes with its challenges. Coach Washington had this to say about challenges, “The only real challenges we have had have been the coming and going of members.  We have one that is a softball player so we are having to work around that schedule as well as having to deal with some that have come and left since camp.  People don't realize that cheerleading is still a team sport.  If one team member is gone it messes up formations, stunt groups, and routines.” Many exciting things are to come for our Lady Cats. Washington was asked what she was most excited for where it may or may not  be this season to which she answered,“ I am most excited about competition.  Not necessarily the work leading the way up to competition but the actual competition day!”Who knows what all our Wampus Cats cheerleaders could show us this year?