By Jennifer Redden
The PCHS Cheer Team has two new coaches—head coach, Brandi Schmidt (pictured above left) and assistant coach, Ashley Hutchison (above right). Both are from the community and bring an abundance of cheer experience with them.
Schmidt is a former PCHS cheerleader. She coached at Sharp Middle School in 2000-2001 and at PCHS from 2001-2005, winning back-to-back regional titles during her reign. Her favorite memory of coaching was winning the 2005 Sweet 16 K-Pep in-game competition. “I am so excited to be a part of the PCHS cheer community once again!” according to Schmidt. “We look forward to building on the history and tradition of the program with a fantastic team. Be on the lookout for great things from this group!”
Hutchison was a 2006 graduate and cheered seven years at Sharp and PCHS. She was on the first team to cheer for Pendleton County football. She trained under the PHS Hall of Fame coach, Myron Doan. Her favorite memory as a cheerleader was winning back-to-back regional competitions. She has coached at Sharp, PCHS, and Scott High School. She also has three years’ experience judging experience at the local, regional, and state level. “I am thankful for the opportunity to return to my alma mater and lead a great group of athletes,” says Hutchison. “I am looking forward to continuing to grow the program and build on its past successes! I can’t wait to get started.”
The PCHS Cheer Cats are preparing for their first competition, the UCA Ohio Regional, on October 27 in Columbus, OH. They are also cheering all home football games and participating in several fundraisers to help them continue on their journey to nationals.