By Jennifer Redden
The PCHS Competitive Cheer team competed on January 30th at ESPN in Orlando, FL in the DII National School Spirit Championships. The team placed second and received a bid for nationals in October at the Ohio Regional UCA Championships. At nationals, the PCHS competed against 15 other teams for a chance to win the coveted white jackets. The team had a great performance at nationals, with zero deductions. However, they were not one of the eight teams to advance to the semi-finals.
The cheer team competes in the Small Varsity Game Day division, which involves authentic crowd-leading, a band chant, a situational sideline, cheer, and a fight song within a 3-minute time limit. The PCHS team consists of ten athletes—Micah Seksay, Kylee Murray, Lacey Bromley, Nyah Wright, Kaylee Hornsby, AJ Redden, Brilee Messmer, Ariah Merrill, Chloe Holbrook, and Mia Mathis. According to senior, Nyah Wright, “After a year and a half of setbacks, growth, and grit, we showed up stronger than ever—and hit zero when it mattered most.”
“Our Wildcats put on a great performance at nationals with zero deductions and maxed out their score. We are so proud of them!” said Coach Kendall Lonaker. “The team would like to thank their national trip sponsors—Anthony Strong, Paps Little Gems, Kentucky Farm Bureau, Steve Ammerman, Lonaker Excavating, Nails by Amanda, The Ernst Family, Drew and Emily Humphries, Tammy Roseberry, Mineer Heating and Air, Howard’s Place, Becky’s Flower Basket, K & A Excavating, Rose Blau and Michael Moore, Longnecks Bar and Grill, Krift Construction, and all the other community members that helped the team with fundraising this year. Without your generosity, the team’s national trip would not be possible. We are very thankful for the wonderful community support that the cheer team receives.”
The cheer team will compete for the spirit award at the boys’ and girls’ basketball district and regional competition to end their season. Senior Night will be on February 3 at PCHS.