For the second year in a row, Republic’s cheer squad traveled to the University of Oklahoma for a four-day camp as they gear up for competition season in the fall. It was the first year for Republic Middle School cheerleaders to participate.
“All three teams worked extremely hard during the four days. Our middle school and JV programs were holding their own with varsity programs from Oklahoma and Texas,” says coach Matthew Massey.
Several Republic cheerleaders earned an “All-American” designation: Elijah Duckett and Kira Allen (middle school), Jess Werhan (JV), and Olivia Skeans, Allison Gill, and Hannah Lee (varsity). In addition, Republic placed five athletes in the quarterfinals of a camp “jump-off,” with senior captain Haven Lander winning.
The Republic team also won the camp leadership award, chosen by a vote of the teams at the camp.
“This award means more to us than anything,” says Massey, “because that means our team displayed something that others want to be a part of.”
The camp featured a growing sport called STUNT, which was designed to allow squads to compete head-to-head. Republic finished second in that competition, losing in the finals to a team from Oklahoma, where STUNT is more well-established.