By Travis Sloat
First year co-head cheer coach Nicole Lamb has stepped up and is making new traditions and new memories for her team at Altus High School.
“We started a new tradition this year,” Lamb said. “Each Friday our seniors choose a member of the squad who has made an improvement or impact on the team that week, and we give them the spirit stick. The seniors look for things like positivity, encouragement, hard work, and dedication. The cheerleaders love this and it really boosts the morale of the team.”
In addition to Lamb, the Altus squad is also coached by Allie Ridley, who is in her first year also. They are assisted by Tori Green, yet another first year coach. What the coaches lack in experience, they more than make up for in passion and enthusiasm to see their team get closer.
“Our cheerleaders are great at pushing each other to improve not only in the gym, but outside the gym as well,” Lamb said. “They hold each other accountable to work hard and be the best versions of themselves. They are so supportive. We have bonded and have become like a big family. We all get to do what we love, which makes cheerleading even better.”
Over the summer, the Altus cheer squad won the superior trophy for their dance and cheer routines at Camp AHS. The squad also had multiple qualifiers for All-American cheerleader honors. Cheer captains Ary Garduno, Jessi Atchley, Kaalon Welch, and Rylee Borrego all said they love getting everyone pumped up at games and rallies, and also love being able to spend time together as well as cheer together.
