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Wednesday, October 1, 2008
McAlester Varsity Cheer
Eastern Oklahoma, OK
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Buffalo Pride and Tradition
There is nothing quite like the pride and dedication of a strong alumni. McAlester Cheerleading knows all about this strength and support. In fact three of the five coaches within the McAlester cheerleading coaching staff were at one time Buffalo cheerleaders.
Two of these alumni are varsity coaches Ashlee Shumway (head coach) and Tamarah Danzey(assistant coach).
This tradition of service to your alma mater must have started long ago in the McAlester cheer program. Debbie Watkins, who is now the Director of cheerleading for the McAlester Public Schools is one of the leaders who set this example of Buffalo pride. Debbie knows about dedication to team, she spent nine years coaching within the program and now has two years under her belt as director of Cheer.
When asked about her feelings towards the McAlester Cheer program Debbie replied, “Because of the alumni return the coaches have an internal connection with the program and the school. This also gives a stronger link to the community and the team.”
Community connection is heavily stressed by the programs staff starting at the top and flowing down. The girls actively participate in multiple community service projects. Some of their projects include, Pride of McAlester clean up, Special Olympics, enrollment at the local preschool, and organizing Christmas gifts for children in need.
This fall the girls prepare for OSSAA state competition like many other teams in Oklahoma. They began their preparation this summer while attending camp with NSA- National Spirit Alliance at Lake Ten killer. The girls were able to spend time as a team developing new skills as well as getting a start on the long road to state. Josh Quintero, Co-owner of National Spirit Alliance remarked on the impression left by McAlester cheer at camp this year, “The girls did a great job. They were able to progress quickly and really develop their skills and state routine. Overall they finished camp as one of the top squads.”
McAlester Varsity Cheer hopes to return to the OSSA State level Competition. They currently hold two Regional wins and two top 4 rankings at the state level. This time they will strive to prove their excellence in the 5A category.
The community spirit and Buffalo pride is a lasting impression made by all the participants in this cheerleading program. The girls work hard as athletes to develop the competitive edge while the coaches stay up to date on all safety certifications and NHSF levels available for cheerleading coaches. This team really knows what it takes to create an all around program.
Like many other cheerleading squads McAlester cheer understands the athletic ability it takes to compete in the cheerleading arena. Debbie Watkins confirms these feeling with her final thoughts, “I can’t stress enough what incredible athletes these girls are. They are not just pretty girls in skirts; although they are pretty they are also incredible athletes!”
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