The Winder-Barrow High School competition cheerleading team put the finishing touches on a successful season with a state-runner up finish in the co-ed division Saturday in Columbus.
“I am very proud of the athletes on this team,” said coach Jerrie Hulsey. “Many of them had their best performance at state and as a coach that is what you hope for. They received a trophy and medals. The trophy will go in the trophy case at school along with a picture of this team.”
The Cheer Doggs brought home the state runner-up trophy despite making one mistake.
“We had part of our cheer not go up.” Hulsey said. “You cannot have mistakes and be a state champion. Having said that, the kids performed with the most energy and confidence all season long. We had worked on energy and taking the floor like you owned it all week. The team did exactly what we asked them to do and because of that they are the state runner up in co-ed competitive cheerleading.”
Things were going well for the WBHS competition team Saturday when the one mistake happened.
“The team had gotten through all the hard parts of the routine and when the part of the cheer didn’t go up it shocked me,” Hulsey said. “It was one of those weird things. I thought our stunts, dance, jumps and standing tumbling were spot on. It was a great day to be a Bulldogg. The seniors stepped it up this past week and provided the leadership this team needed to take them into the championships.”
Hulsey said her team used its routine time well.
“For that amount of time to be perfect and have a life time of memories is unbelievably difficult and nerve racking especially with such a difficult routine as we had,” Hulsey said.
Peachtree Ridge was the state champion in the co-ed division followed by WBHS, Chestatee and Model.
“We as coaches felt in order to beat Peachtree Ridge we would have to have the type of routine we had. It is by far the most difficult routine I have ever coached,” Hulsey said. “We want to thank our fans and parents who traveled to Columbus. We must have had over 100 people there to support us. Our administration was also there and we want to thank them for coming.”
Team members include John Reese Fortson, Lauren Geiger, Ashley Healan, Crystal Hodge, Trent Hunter, Ally Maddox, Chassidy McCracken, Kathryn McNamara, Kiersten Nickerson, Nick Oxley, Ashley Rogers, Kody Sanders, Austin Sorrells, Jesus Teran and Chandler Thompson.
Assisting Hulsey with the team are assistant coach Ashley Wegmann and lay coaches Jordan Magness, and Danielle Hulsey. Keri Wilkerson is the team manager.
“It was unfortunate that we made a mistake and it cost us a state championship, but I have to tell you I am very happy to be the state runner up,” Hulsey said.
The WBHS competition cheerleading team qualified for state following a second place finish at region.
