OCHS and NOHS Competitive Cheerleaders Advance to State Finals

The Oconee County High School Cheer Warriors and the North Oconee Red Glory varsity competition cheerleading squads are headed to the State Finals in Columbus this weekend.

hosted the regional competitions on Nov.5 and were the 2011 8-AAA Region Champions. The team was also victorious in the class 8-AA and advances to state sectionals.

"This is NOHS' first time winning and advancing to sectionals since 2005 so we are VERY excited!" Coach Crystal Melton said. Melton has coached the team for six years, after having served one year as a coach at Malcom Bridge Middle School.

Being a member of a competition team takes a lot of dedication.

For example, the North Oconee Red Glory traveled to United Cheerleading in Columbus to have their routine choreographed by Marquise Strong.  The girls practice 3-4 hours a week for 1.5 hours at a time.  Most of the girls are also sideline cheerleaders, take Advanced Placement classes and are involved in other organizations too, Melton said.

The NOHS varisty squad of 21 girls is comprised of 8 seniors, who also serve as captains. They are Ansley Aguilar, Brooke Bailey, Peyton Bennett, Denise Ealy, Kailey Page, Kaylee Satterfield, Sydney Rodkey and Molly Young. Other members are Taylor Whitehead, Kate Rider, Erin Parker, Jordan Looney, Samantha Lanthier, Alayna Hoag, Madison Hargrave, Morgan Coker, Kassidy Carey, Olivia Brown, Caroline Brown, Sabrina Bodie, and Kayla Anderson. Karie Benko is the varsity assistant coach.

The OCHS varsity squad of 12 girls includes Brittany Baker, Hannah Canerday, Abbey Harrison, Jessica Holman, Elizabeth Howell, Michaela Hyduke, Gracen Lewis, Sarah Morris,  Malina Rawlins, Morgan Riddle, Drennon Saunders, and Katie Tuggle.  The girls are coached by Molly Spencer and Tricia Harrison.

See a video of the Oconee Cheer Warriors in action earlier in the season.

State finals are this Saturday, Nov 12th in Columbus, GA where the top 16 teams in classes AAA and AA will compete for state titles.

The state championship finals at 9 a.m. (A, AA & AAA) and 2 p.m. (COED, AAAA & AAAAA) will be carried live online at GPB.org/sports, according to the Georgia High School Association.

Best of luck to these athletes!