Anderson County High School cheerleading received a bid at UCA Bluegrass Regionals held at Rupp Arena in late November to compete at the National High School Cheerleading Championship. They beat out several teams for the opportunity in the Small Varsity All Girl Division.
Following Thanksgiving they had two months to perfect, feel confident in, and change stunts to more difficulty in their routine.
They arrived in Orlando, Fla., on Feb. 8 and began practicing first thing Friday morning. They were able to have fun at Epcot and Magic Kingdom the day before they took the mat to compete.
Saturday morning, they practiced first thing in the morning on the practice field surrounded by several other teams gearing up for competition day.
Interim Head Coach Tiffany Marshall stated it was motivation for the girls to see all the teams practicing and their determination.
She added Anderson then showed up at practice and she was so proud of them and their enthusiasm and determination on competition day.
Anderson took the mat after 7 p.m. on Saturday Feb. 10th at ESPN Worldwide Sports for where they had two goals; to go out and do their best with no regrets and to beat their score from two years ago.
“We may have not hit the way that we practiced because nerves came into play and we rushed some areas but the girls did amazing and I’m proud of everything they put on the mat. They’ve worked so hard this season and overcome many obstacles this season,” stated Marshall.
Their second goal of beating their score from last time was also accomplished as they beat it by 10 points.
Tiffany stated Anderson participated in the hardest division as the small varsity all girl is the largest division at NHSCC. She added if they keep up their hard work Anderson will advance and advance to semi-finals one day.
“Many girls on the team are new this season, many were first time goers to nationals. Out of the 15 girls who took the mat only 6 had gone 2 years ago and that was the first time in 20.
Anderson had gone 2 years ago. We knew our chances would be harder to advance but we’re proud of what we did,” Marshall stated.
Marshall commended senior Captains Isabella Fitzpatrick, Abby McCowan and Kenzie Tuggle for leading the team out on the mat with confidence for their last hoorah, determined to beat the team’s goals, which they did.
“Sometimes it’s not always about winning, it’s about the lessons you learn on the way to make you better. The Anderson County Cheerleading Program is starting to build and grow, and I can’t wait to see what they do each year. I’m proud of these Girls and all they’ve accomplished,” stated Marshall on behalf of the team.
The ACHS cheer team includes head coach Tiffany Marshall and assistant coach Jessica Coleman.
Team members are Isabella Fitzpatrick, Kenzie Tuggle, Abby McCowan, Natalie Hooker-Lane, Leah Shouse, Adyson Durr, Lillee Melloan, Jaylynne Posey , Aubrey Barrett, Kaelynns Garrett , Kamryn Beasley , Jadyn Caldwell, Kallie Lainhart, Sydney Withrow, Lena Adams, Taylor Hawkins, Ava Coulter, Brinna Hawkins and Hannah Workman.