By Chez Oxendine

Altus High School’s cheerleading squad won its first ever state championship at the OSSAA Game Day competition in November. That’s something junior Carly Thomas is very proud of. 

“Winning state was amazing and also one of the greatest memories I’ll remember forever,” Thomas said.  

The victory meant even more coming on the heels of quarantines and awkward practice arrangements amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Members of the squad were sent videos of routines to practice while isolated from the rest of the team. 

“This semester was hard but we always knew how to keep each other in check because we had our mind set on trying to achieve our goal, which was winning state,” Thomas said. “My coaches were great. Everyone who got quarantined always knew what to do. This semester was different, but still great through the pandemic.” 

Thomas said it was dedication to her teammates that drove her to practice as hard as she did, as well as a love for cheerleading. Thomas admits cheerleading gives her confidence both in herself as well as others. 

“Everyone wanted to win and I wanted to keep everyone motivated so I was giving pep talks and letting everyone know they can do it,” Thomas said. “I love cheer overall because it makes me believe in myself more, and I love cheering people onto victory.” 

Thomas described herself as a “hype man” who loves to let people know how much potential they have and how good they are. 

“Cheering for football on Fridays is the best,” Thomas said. 

With her junior season behind her, Thomas is looking ahead to her senior year, where she plans to try out for cheer squad yet again.  

“I want to exceed in my tumbling. I know we’re all going to be working really hard to win state again and that is my goal,” Thomas said. “I’m really excited for my senior year, we have some really good girls coming up from the junior high.”