Putnam City North High Schools cheerleaders won their seventh national title in a row at the National Cheerleaders Association (NCA) Senior and Junior High School National Championships in early January at the Dallas Convention Center. Putnam City North cheerleaders won first place in the small advanced high school cheerleading division and also added an award for Best Use of Tumbling.
The 2011 national championship the team picked up in Dallas adds to national championships won in 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006 and 2005.
Cheerleading squad members were pleased to bring home the championship trophy again.
"I always had hoped to come into high school with winning and go out doing the same thing. We practiced four days a week and some weekends to prepare for nationals. Our many hours of hard work paid off when we heard our names being called. It was the best feeling of my life knowing I helped set not only a record for my school, but continued the tradition,” says Casady McEvers, senior, captain and a four-year member squad.
The team has also been successful in state cheerleading competition, finishing second in the state in 2010 and winning state championships in 2009, 2008 and 2006.
Michelle Hopper, the faculty sponsor for the team, says being good enough to win championships takes dedication.
“We did well at nationals because we worked hard in practice and came together as team. In addition, we have a difficult routine and the skills to perform that routine. But the girls are also fighters. They overcame some adversity this year,” says Hopper.
Hopper says the team had a new coach this year, Zach Marshall of Twist and Shout. Orson Sykes, also of Twist and Shout, worked with the team on choreography.
"Zach was really was able to motivate the girls to do their best," Hopper says. “He’s one of the best coaches in the state. He puts together routines with a high degree of difficulty and works with the girls to get the best out of them.”
Brittiny Heusman, a senior and co-captain of the cheerleading squad, says the squad performed well.
“Walking off the mat knowing we hit both days of national competition was the best feeling ever. We have the best cheer squad anyone could ask for,” Heusman says.
Putnam City North Cheerleading Squad 2011-2012
• Cierra Bennett (alternate), grade 10
• Olivia Boling, grade 12
• Jessie Evans, grade 12
• Lacey Fields (alternate), grade 9
• AnneMarie Gamblin, grade 10
• Destiny Hendrix, grade 12
• Brittiny Heusman, grade 12 (co-captain)
• Emily Kilby, grade 12
• Casady McEvers, grade 12 (captain)
• Deleanie Moriello (alternate), grade 11
• Megan Murphy, grade 12
• Madison Oneill, grade 11
• Katelyn Short, grade 12
• Morganne Spybuck, grade 9
• Korbi Wood, grade 10
Photo by Mike Kilby
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For More Information
Steve Lindley, Communications Director
(405) 495-5200, x1204
(405) 812-6119
slindley@putnamcityschools.org