By Derrick Smith

Athletes have to put in a lot of work in order to be the best they can be. Bridge Creek Cheer head coach Je’ann Whitaker’s squad is no stranger to working hard and reaping the benefits.

“We have a very talented group of athletes this year,” she said. “I would say that our team’s biggest strengths are commitment, hard work, and willingness to do what is needed to make a successful team. Our athletes push themselves not only on the cheer mat and sideline but also in the classroom and many other ventures that they take on within their Bridge Creek community.”

The work has paid off ending up in a number of awards and honors. They are two-time state champions, Game Day State champions, Regional champions. They also have several national champions on this year’s team. 

Senior Maci Linn says that she enjoys cheering for her school, but she also has so much fun with her teammates. 

“My favorite thing about our team is that we all laugh and have a great time when we get together,” she said. “We are all involved in other things outside of cheer like different clubs and sports.”

When they are not cheering on their teams, Whitaker’s squad enjoys doing a lot of different things together.

“This year our team has traveled twice to Texas,” she said. “In March, we went to Fort Worth to compete at the NCA Nationals, and then in June, we went to UCA Cheer Camp at Great Wolf Lodge in Grapevine. We also do several team bonding activities throughout the year. One of our squad’s favorite team bondings was a scavenger hunt through the Sooner Mall.”

Another senior on the team, Madison Johnson loves how close the team is and how they are always there for each other. 

“One thing I really enjoy about our team is the feeling of family,” she said. “Everyone is so connected and it truly makes the team special. It is great to have the constant feeling of knowing you have people to lean on. I can count on people no matter what if I am having a bad day or morning. It is so reassuring to have people by your side.”