Hard work. That’s what it takes to be a successful athlete in any sport, cheerleading including.
“When people think of cheerleading, they think of the squad cheering on their team from the sideline,” Altus cheer coach Nicole Lamb says. “What they do not see is the countless hours of hard work, both physically and mentally, they put in preparing for their routines. These two-minute routines are jam packed full of stunting, tosses, jumps, tumbling, and crowd leading all while yelling and smiling. This is no easy feat.”
Lamb, along with her co-head coach Kacie Bates, said that hard work has helped shape this Altus cheer squad into one that is able to overcome challenges. One of those obstacles being the inexperience of this team in competition.
“The seniors are the only class that has competed in competitive cheer,” Lamb says. “They are doing a great job teaching the team what all it takes to compete at this level.”
Leading the way for Altus this year is senior Kenzly Schmidt.
“Kenzly is an incredibly hard worker,” Lamb says. “As coaches, we think she sets the standard for hard work ethic for the team. She leads by example. Not only does she push herself to be the best she can be, but she also pushes each one of her teammates to reach their fullest potential.”
Another senior Lamb praised for her leadership is Malorie Wood.
“Malorie is very positive and kind to everyone,” Lamb says. “Even in our hardest practice she has always maintained a positive attitude, a great work ethic, and is a valuable leader on this team.”
While that hard work pays off in the competitive season for Altus, it also comes through on game days by helping make Bulldog events fun for everyone.
“The cheerleaders have a unique ability to connect the crowd to the game,” Lamb says. “The squad’s goal is to build up school spirit to support their Bulldog teams. They are constantly incorporating signs, flags, and other crowd leading materials to keep the fans on their feet to cheer their team on to success.”
The Altus cheer roster includes Carly Thomas (Sr), Clayten Guerra (Sr), Kenzly Schmidt (Sr), Malorie Wood (Sr), Savannah Shipman (Sr), Serenity Ridley (Sr), Abi Beane (Jr), Gaby Cantu (Jr), Madelyn Falon (Jr), Nyla Ball (Jr), Alison Longone (So), Alberley Becerra (So), Avery Tucker (So), Karley Froelich (So), Lead Williams (So), Lorelei Webster (So), Brooke Hanson (Fr), Carlee Miller (Fr), Emma Gregg (Fr), Hali Denton (Fr), Kelbi Greer (Fr), Kenli Greer (Fr), Leigha Gloria (Fr), and Neely Bond (Fr). The Altus mascots are Hayleigh Buckner (Sr) and Cayti Dugan (Soph).
