Lincoln High cheer squad eyes another state title

The squad made it to the state level the past nine years, and the girls know they have big shoes to fill, according to Boyles.

Since placing second in a Class AA regional, the team has improved upon its builds, tumbling and performance, according to Emily Gerrard, a junior.

“We definitely have changed our routine,” Boyles said.

She is mum on details, but thinks the Cougars “have everything in place to go win the title.”

Cheerleaders may have spent Thanksgiving Day with family.

“But the rest of the week, we were with what we call our second family,” said Cait Stout, another junior.

The team, “pretty much just a big group of sisters,” spent about 24 hours in the gym over Thanksgiving break, according to Stout.

“I’m a firm believer in hard work,” Boyles said. “Hard work usually means great results.”

Boyles should know after leading the Cougars to three state titles from 2005-07 and two second-place finishes in 2008 and 2011.

The Lincoln cheerleaders are confident because of long hours in the gym.

“They’ve practiced so long, and they’ve mastered all their skills for the routine,” Boyles said.

“We’re really dedicated to our team,” Stout said.

The Cougar cheerleaders try their best to make their routine perfect for the state tournament, she said.

“We are all so excited. This is all we can think about,” said Johnna Akers, a junior.

Going to state “does not compare to anything,” she said.

“It’s just amazing,” Akers said, mentioning, the ride down to Charleston, hitting their routine, the crowd going wild and running off the floor knowing they’ve done well.

“We pretty much feed off of the crowd and get adrenaline from the crowd cheering us on,” Gerrard said.

Performing — which includes “making facials” and “selling it to the crowd” — is one of the team’s biggest strengths, according to Gerrard.

“I don’t think we’re nervous,” she said. “I just think were really anxious to get there.”

“Their goal is to bring that state title home,” Boyles said.

Lincoln cheerleaders are Johnna Akers, Emily Gerrard, Hannah Layman, Olivia Mano, Makayla McElwayne, Taylor Arnold, Cait Stout, Emily McDougal, Sarah Hamrick, Courtney Halpenny, Mickey Tichnell, Kelley Leveaux, Madison Fleece, Karlee Mano and Zoe Holt.

Staff writer Leslie Moses can be reached at (304) 626-1405 or by e-mail at lmoses@exponent-telegram.com.