After narrowly missing the top spot in both regional and state competition last season, the Altus High School cheer team enters the new year focused on taking another major step forward. The Bulldogs finished as the Class 5A Gameday Regional runner-up and Class 5A Gameday State runner-up, providing both motivation and confidence for a group that has committed itself to the work needed to contend again.
Head coaches Kacie Bates and Nicole Lamb have seen their athletes embrace that challenge since tryouts in April. The team built early momentum at UCA Cheer Camp, where Altus returned home with multiple trophies. More importantly, the camp experience gave the squad another chance to develop chemistry, sharpen its routines and establish the standards it wants to carry into the season.
“Our team has been working really hard since tryouts in April,” the coaches said. “They are a great group and have really put in the work to be the best team they can be this year.”
Altus will lean on a mixture of experienced seniors and emerging underclassmen as it works toward its goals. Senior Brooke Ridley has set an example through her approach each day, arriving ready to work with an upbeat attitude that keeps the team connected. Ridley has also invested extra time during the summer, running additional miles alongside teammates who did not want to train alone.
Senior Kenzie Abernathy brings another important presence to the roster. Coaches describe her as someone who is consistently kind and makes those around her feel valued, a quality that can help establish a welcoming culture within a competitive program.
Melynn Bush has become a dependable performer because of her positive mindset and willingness to accept coaching. She gives full effort to every assignment and works to execute each request to the best of her ability.
Sophomore Briella Miranda provides leadership beyond her years. Though she is a quieter voice, Miranda leads through her actions, encouragement and consistency. Like Ridley, she has spent extra time running with teammates to make sure nobody had to work alone.
Elle Freeman’s organization and discipline allow her to balance cheer with several other activities. Coaches also value her humility and her habit of putting others first, traits that reinforce the team-first identity Altus hopes will separate it this season.
With strong relationships developing between returning athletes and new members, Altus believes its preparation can translate into another memorable postseason run. The Bulldogs have already shown they belong among Class 5A’s best. This season, they hope their hard work turns two runner-up finishes into the result they have been chasing.
