After finishing runner-up in Class AA, Region 2, the Bridgeport High School Cheer Squad competes for the state title Saturday at Charleston Civic Center.
“I’m truly excited for this team to perform down there,” said Head Coach Emilee Stout. “They’ve had quite a few good practices now and they are getting excited. It kind of works both ways – when I see them feeling prepared and ready to go, I get that same feedback and vice versa. I try to push them and get them ready and when I’m excited, they feed off that.”
At regionals - held Nov. 8 at Buckhannon-Upshur High School – the Lady Indians claimed second place to Robert C. Byrd. They will compete against them this Saturday, as well as winners and runners-up in Regions 1, 3 and 4.
Class AA competition begins at 10 a.m. Bridgeport competes in the fourth spot and RCB in the sixth spot.
“(RCB) is a strong team, but again, all we can do is focus on us and take care of our routine. That’s our job. The rest is out of our hands,” Stout said. “Of course, winning first place would be great, but what we’re focusing on is hitting our routine and feeling good about it. I think we are prepared to hit our routine this time. It’s obviously harder as we’ve added a lot more difficulty. For the girls to complete that task will be a definite plus for us.”
Since regionals, BHS has implemented some changes in its two-and-a-half minute cheer, dance and pom routine, particularly with regard to tumbling and stunting, Stout said. She feels her squad has accomplished much this season. The girls have overcome a number of obstacles, including plenty of injuries. Stout said she does not believe she has ever worked with a group that has more heart or is more coachable.
“It’s just been really nice to work with a team that all gets along and have the same mentality as far as practice goes. When I tell them to fix things, they all truly listen and do what I say,” she said. “It’s a lot easier to get through practice and get things done when everyone is on board.”
She also commends this group of parents for their unwavering support.
She also encourages supporters to follow the team to the Charleston Civic Center this Saturday. Doors open at 9 a.m. for the 10 a.m. competition.
The BHS cheerleaders are Captains Madelyn Strait, Kayla Haywood and Taylor Bailey, Halli Spears, Rachel White, Taylor Smith, Hannah Allen, Anna Wilfong, Kaitlyn Frazier, Hannah McCall, Hallie Hardesty, Maddi Dillon, Maddie Ward and Courtney Halpenny. Serving as assistant coach is Natasha Estok.
Editor's Note: Photos by Tyler Maxwell of www.benqueenphotography.com.
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