STARKVILLE — Starkville High School announced on Friday that its Yellow Jacket Cheerleading Squad earned a bid to the National High School Cheerleading Championships hosted by the Universal Cheerleaders Association in Orlando, Fla. This is the team’s first bid in over 20 years.
“As someone who has worked with this group of young women more days than not over the last year, I want you to know that they are a group that understands the importance of wearing the Yellow Jacket uniform,” head coach Riesa Blackwell said of her squad. “They are collectively the hardest-working group I’ve ever coached. They know that every carpool door opened and high-five means something to the little eyes that watch their every move. They hold each other accountable on the field, the mat, and in the classroom. They are respectful, kind, and a great representation of Jacket Nation.”
The team will travel to Walt Disney World for the Feb. 7-10 competition, seeing their hard work over the last semester pay off. The squad trained 2-4 hours per day for five days a week with additional Saturday practices as they worked on their routines. The team finished in second place at the Mississippi State Cheer Competition this season to help boost their bid for Orlando.
“This moment has been the goal since joining this program,” assistant coach Omri Parks said. “These athletes have worked so hard this year and have earned the right to go compete at the national level. They are the pioneers of the start of a dynasty with this program. It’s a blessing to watch them grow and learn new and exciting skills. I’m thrilled to see them take these routines to Orlando. To whom much is given, much is required, and that is acknowledged in the work ethic these athletes display. They are hungry, they are gritty, and they are ready. This is just the start!”
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