With the 2021-22 school year upon us, high school cheer squads across the state have honed their routines and are preparing for Friday nights and future competitions. For Blanchard High School and head coach Lori McKay, the new season brings new hope and excitement for another great season.

This year the varsity cheer squad at Blanchard features 23 cheerleaders who are eager to not only hit the sidelines, but to compete and show other squads in the state what they can do.

“We compete in the OSSAA regionals and state competitions each year,” said head coach Lori McKay. “We are also a STUNT team. Stunt is a fairly new sport that has not yet been OSSAA sanctioned as of yet but is a very successful up and coming sport. We were state runner-up last year at the OSSAA competition. We have also been state runner-up in STUNT state multiple years.”

Senior captain Addison Browning is a multi-sport athlete and someone who has the drive and determination to help this squad reach its full potential.

“Addison is our captain this year. She is a senior. She plays volleyball as well and manages to excel in both sports. Addison’s greatest assets are her positive attitude and that she is a team player. Addison truly wants everyone on her team to succeed. She is a light,” said coach McKay.

There are other members making people take notice such as Jaycee Martinez, Savannah Hare and Rily Miller. Overall the squad consists of excellent cheerleaders and future leaders.

Each year the Blanchard cheer squad does more than just practice and compete. They are involved in many activities around campus as well as the community.

“We do a community service project each year as well,” said coach McKay.