After performing well in the past seven of its eight competitions, the Oxford varsity girls competitive cheer team has a current total score of 595.80.
‘At our first meet, we had an injury and some girls out, (but) we could not have been more proud of them as they did a great job for filling in for everyone by learning their spots in 30 minutes,? said new Head Coach Nicole Curtiss, who took over in May. ‘It just shows what they can accomplish with their hard work and dedication.?
Returning from last year’s team are senior Sarah Baker, who Curtiss described as a great, all-around athlete? with ‘great motions and jumps and is a great side base.?
Next up is senior Paige Chalou.
‘She is a hard-working athlete that pushes not only herself, but her team to achieve great things,? Curtiss said.
She noted senior Katrese Mill is an amazing tumbler and is ‘picking up flying very well,? she added.
Curtiss described senior Mandaly Sterner as a ‘go-getter.?
‘She is willing to do any stunting position I need her to or work with any stunt group,? Curtiss said. ‘She does it so well.?
‘Senior Deandra Christiansen always gives 110 percent and is always working to improve herself and the dynamics of the team,? she continued.
New to the varsity team are Caitlin Schmidt and Joslyn Meixell.
‘Both are pushing themselves to meet the expectations and standards of the team,? Curtiss explained. ‘We love their hard work and dedication.?
Returning sophomores and juniors include Kate Brantley, Jessica Bruske, Katie Comparoni, Payton Forbes, Satara Fountain, Katey Kroon, Sarah Liford, Melissa Lockwood, Brenna Mauer, Trinity Munoz, Madison Pavlisak, Allison Robillard, Katie Romano, Lilly Schroeder, Leah Vandecar, Ashley Zyrowski.
‘Our newbie to the program is Jizelle Lanza,? Curtiss added. ‘She is a new freshman to Oxford. She brings great tumbling skills to our program and has been a welcome addition.?
Looking at the league, Curtiss said the OAA is ‘tough.?
‘The team’s goal is to try their hardest to not be last at leagues,? she said. ‘We have not had a league meet yet, but we will have three. So, we will see how well they do,? she added. ‘The girls have set personal goals as well and some have already achieved them and are on to the next goal.?