Cheer Team Takes First at NKCCA Competition

By Jennifer Redden

The PCHS cheer squad placed first at the Northern Kentucky Cheerleading Coaches Association (NKCCA) competition on Jan. 27 at Ryle High School. The cheer squad has received a trophy at five out of the six competitions they have been in this season.

“Our team had a great performance yesterday with zero deductions!” according to Coach Abby Belcher. “We are super proud of everyone’s hard work and dedication during this extremely busy time of year. Our team has dealt with sickness, injuries, and have been through a lot of changes these last couple of weeks.”

PCHS senior, Rebecca McCoy, was an NKCCA scholarship recipient. “My cheer journey has shaped me into who I am,” said McCoy. “I don’t know what I would be doing without this wonderful sport. I have hopes to try out for the NKU cheerleading team this spring. I wouldn’t have been able to accomplish all that I have done without my coaches, Abby Belcher, Whitney Manor, and Nicky Smith, and especially without my team. The girls and the friendships I have made through the years are unmatched. I’m so proud to say that I’ve been a part of the amazing accomplishments the Pendleton County cheer has brought to the county. I hope to bring home the top spot at Nationals this year! Let’s go, Cats!”

McCoy is a flyer on the team and participates in the Young Scholars Program at NKU. She is working on her Bachelor of Science in Nursing and will be entering the nursing program this fall. “I am extremely proud of Rebecca,” said Coach Abby Belcher. “She is an exceptional student and athlete that works extremely hard every day and we are blessed to have her on our team!”

The cheer squad will be heading to the Universal Cheerleaders Association competition in Orlando on Feb. 9-12 at Disney’s Wide World of Sports. Last year they placed in the top 10 at nationals and are hoping to exceed their performance this year.