by Ethan Cundiff

Many people don’t see cheerleading as a sport; however, the actual definition of cheerleading is, “a sport involving the performance of organized cheering, chanting, and dancing in support of a sports team at games.”

   The Oak Hills cheerleading team has dominated at the state level for the past three years, and continues to show growth each and every day. This season the team was motivated to prove to everyone that they are the real deal, especially since they qualified for the state competition for the third year in a row.

   Last year, the team shone while continuing to build their greatness with Mindi Shay as coach. I talked with senior captain Gabi Lepof about how getting a new coach has helped the team over the past two years. Lepof replied with, “Mindi Shay has put countless hours into the program, along with her husband Mr. Shay who has joined the cheerleading program this year as a coach. They have encouraged the cheerleaders along with being excellent coaches and pushing us to be the best that we can be. I love working with the Shay family.”

   Lepof also added, “As a captain this year, I have really helped push the team and make sure everyone is reaching their full potential. I’m the only senior on the competition team as of now, since Marie is injured, and I look at the rest of the team as my kids. This year’s competition team is one unique group of girls and boy, and they are full of talent. I cannot wait to see how we are going do at state. We are going for a repeat this year! Next month we will be working our butts off so we can get another ring!”

   Even as the OHHS cheer team does not get much credit for their success, they will continue to practice and work hard for state and are ready to prove to everyone that they are the real deal. The team will be heading up to Columbus for the State Competition on March 5th.