The Dexter Bearcat Competitive Cheer team made its first trip to state competition since 2011 and claimed a second place finish.
“We have not competed since my senior year of high school, which was in 2011. It’s a huge accomplishment to place second in the state when these girls have never competed at State before and didn’t fully know what to expect,” said head coach Rilee Jones. “I am so incredibly proud of their hard work!”
The cheer team qualified for the state competition at the Show Me Center in Cape Girardeau after winning the regional competition in St. Louis in October. Jones said a choreographer played a big role in the team’s performance.
“We had a choreographer, Rhylan Hillis, who played a huge role in these girls’ performances,” said Jones. “She went above and beyond her responsibility as the choreographer and attended almost every single practice with us, cheering on the girls and coaching alongside me to help the girls reach their full potential. We couldn’t have done this without her.”
Jones spoke of the team’s work going into the competition.
“The cheerleaders put in countless hours of hard work, built up their stamina, and shed a lot of blood, sweat, and tears to be competition ready,” said Jones. “Even though it was difficult and sometimes stressful, the girls were determined to do their best and prove to others that cheerleading takes a lot of talent, commitment, and diligent work. I know the girls’ families are so proud of them too. The support from the families and the community is monumental.”
the team members are: Seniors-- Jayci Holcomb, Grace Sepulvado, Lexi Holden, Callie Whitaker, Ellie Dowdy, Bella Cook and Emma Sparkman. Juniors-- Lexi Bennett, Emma Dorton, Addie Medley, Gracen Hampton and Aubrey Seiter. Sophomores-- Cali White, Averee Ackman, Emma Pennington, Avery Riley and Aundrea Hernandez. Freshmen-- Lauren Sindle, Meredith Nea and Nia Stromas.