By Ember McElrath

The Hilldale varsity cheer team is looking forward to competing in the Class 4A OSSAA Oklahoma Cheerleading Competition this year. After earning a third place spot in the 2018 competition, Hilldale is ready for another shot at the title. Twenty varsity athletes make up the team; seven of which are returning seniors. For the Hilldale Hornets there is only one cheer team, so no junior varsity or freshmen squad. Meaning they all cheer together as well as all get the opportunity to compete at the competitions. For Hilldale cheer there is not any one person who holds the responsibility of captain, but it is a shared responsibility with all of the senior girls.

This year coach Tawnda Warford is most looking forward to seeing just how close this team is going to get.

“The excitement and energy of the new members joining our outstanding veterans is an amazing combination. They uplift and encourage one another throughout practices and choreography days. They are really starting to gel as a team and I truly believe that the sky is the limit for this squad,” said coach Warford.

Even with an amazing squad there are some challenges that will inevitably arise.

“Having the whole squad together due to quarantines, vacations, and softball games and practice as we share athletes with our high school softball team will be our biggest challenge this season.”

This is coach Warford’s first season with the squad and she could not be more excited to lead these girls on game days and in competition.

“Cheerleaders are indeed athletes and that no matter what team you play on or compete with within our school we are all hornets and will always have each other’s backs and support one another.”

Looking toward this season coach Warford knows there are three simple things this team will need to be successful: dedication, determination, and of course discipline. This might be coach Warford’s first year with Hilldale varsity cheer, but when she walks into that practice room every day she has high standards for her athletes and always expects high energy, focus, and maybe the most important thing, team unity.

2021-22 Hilldale Cheer

Addison Whitford- Fr
Addison Williams- Fr
Addyson Bean- Jr
Alex Allison- Soph
Allison Wasson- Sr
Amelia Kindrick- Fr
Anna Katherine Weaver- Fr
Avery Sexton- Sr
Bella Ball- Sr
Brenna Cooper-Fr
Brinley Thomas-Sr
Brooklynn Ousley- Sr
Chloe Walker- Jr
Gillian Murphy- Sr
Hadley Kilgore- Fr
Jaci Burkhart- Jr
Josie Hoyler- Soph
Korbi Rodgers- Sr
Olivia Clark- Jr
Patty Blanchet- Soph