|
|
|
Saturday, March 1, 2008
Spirit: Nationally Known
Central Oklahoma, OK
|
|
|
By: Amber George, Mustang Captain
|
|
Mustang Cheer squad takes home the title
For the first time in Mustang High School history, the Bronco varsity cheerleaders won first place at NCA Nationals in the Large Coed Division.
Not only is the giant gold megaphone trophy and the big black leather jacket a symbol of being a champion, it is a reminder of the more than two minutes that changed the way people view the small town.
Starting in October, our squad switched from state mode to nationals’ mode, which means a 2:30 routine with music.
At State, squads must compete and yell words. National routines incorporate music and dance. Having music in the routine seems to make it easier than the state competition. However, all we do is add more difficulty and skills to make it just as hard, if not harder than ever before.
Over the next few months, the squad got up early and started practice by 6 a.m. We would practice for nearly three hours, then get ready and go to school.
Without a cheer facility for ourselves, we were forced to do all the set up and all the clean up in the gym. Practices were hard because we had to rework our routine. A very hard blow to the squad was the weather Oklahoma experienced this winter. During the ice storm, we missed quite a few practices because our school had no power.
We had some doubts but continued to practice. Half of every practice was re-teaching something that had been choreographed the day before. Injuries were a major hurdle to overcome. Throughout the season, we experienced torn ACLs, shoulder injuries, knee injuries, and various muscle injuries.
However, we persevered through all the stress and went down to Dallas to show off our talent. The first day of competition was the first time that we had ever hit almost every one of our skills. We had a few minor deductions but that wasn’t what we worked so hard for. The day of finals, we had noticed a trend. Most Oklahoma teams were winning, something that rarely happens at a Texas-based competition. Our final routine was absolutely amazing and everything hit flawlessly.
This year was especially fulfilling for the seniors. Since our coach LeRoy McCullough came, the squad has never been so good. Two seasons ago, we placed second at the regional, state, and national competitions. Last year, the squad brought home the first state title and finished second at nationals.
This year brought redemption. It proved that we have an amazing cheer program.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Players aren’t the only ones who get a summer vacation.
We asked some coaches what they did with their summer...
More 
Archives
|
|
|
|
Jackson Ogle
Jackson Ogle will be a sophomore at Oklahoma Christian School in the fall. This fall, he is playing on the AJGA summer golf tour...
More
Archives
|
|
|
 ™
|
|
A collection of this month's best action photos.
|
|
|
|
|
|
You need to upgrade your Flash Player to version 9 or newer.
|
|
|
®
™
