With six returning seniors on the squad this season, coach Erin Berger is excited for their opportunity to help the cheer team have another great season. The defending Class 6A state champions are no strangers to the top of the podium. Prior to winning the state title last season, Edmond North won five straight from 2014 to 2018. This season there are 24 total members on the varsity team with 10 on the freshman squad and 24 who will compete at state.
“State squad members can be from the varsity or freshman squad,” said Berger. “This year’s varsity captains are seniors Emma Thompson and Cate Coburn and the freshman captains are Abby Weaver and Jolie Middlebrook.”
Preparation for the state competition is underway. Berger said she is looking forward to seeing their hard work pay off.
“We have been preparing for it all summer. We are right on track to compete in September and will be competition-ready in no time. We are so excited to see our hard work pay off,” said Berger. “The expectation is that we are a contender every year, and that we work as hard as we can to put on the best routine possible. We know nothing is to handed to us, and we want to prove to everyone that we deserve to continue North Cheer’s state championship tradition.”
The run of titles at North has been impressive to say the least. It’s a legacy coach Berger is very aware of.
“North’s cheer legacy makes us feel like we have big shoes to fill. It’s a big part of what makes us North cheer. It makes us so proud of every squad that came before us, and we know have to work hard to continue their legacy. It also reminds us of why we’re here. On tough days, the legacy is great motivation to push through and continue to work towards our goal,” said Berger.
It takes more than just practice, it also takes chemistry. A fact not forgotten by the coaching staff according to Berger.
“We spend a lot of time fostering relationships between all members of the squads. Each squad does several team bonding events throughout the year, and we do combined team bonding as well to help ease the transition from freshman to varsity and to encourage underclassmen to seek out wisdom from upperclassmen. We have built a mentor program within the varsity squad, as well as between varsity and freshmen. We hang out at school during lunch and passing times, and we are in constant communication outside of school through texts and group chats. We have formed a sisterhood that has created an environment of positivity, love, and accountability. We support each other in activities outside of cheer (other sports, all-star squads, etc.), and we know we can count on each other for anything. We’re more than just teammates, we’re best friends,” said Berger.
Varsity Cheer Roster
H. Baty, J. Bauer, M. Borror, C. Coburn, K. Edingfield, A. Elliott, N. Ellis, M. Freebern, K. Gandhi, A. Griggs, C. Harris, J. Hodge, E. Lawler, O. Moxley, R. Pojezny, A. Randol, R. Reece, E. Russell, K. Simon, P. Stiles, E. Thompson, A. Thornton, Y. Weddle, A. White.
Freshman Cheer Roster
K. Burke, J. Doyle, B. Ellis, J. Harwell, A. Lacks, R. Land, A. McKay, J. Middlebrook, A. Roberts, A. Weaver.
State Cheer Roster
H. Baty, J. Bauer, M. Borror, C. Coburn, K. Edingfield, A. Elliott, M. Freebern, K. Gandhi, A. Griggs, C. Harris, J. Harwell, J. Hodge, J. Middlebrook, O. Moxley, R. Pojezny, A. Randol, R. Reece, K. Simon, P. Stiles, E. Thompson, A. Thornton, A. Weaver, Y. Weddle, A. White.
