First state win in 17 years for cheerleading

2001, A good portion of the students that attend South were not even born yet. The first generation iPod is the popular device of the time, and the first Apple store opened this year. Girl are wearing low rise jeans, trying to look like their favorite stars like Paris Hilton and Gwen Stefani. This era that seems forever ago was the last time that Parkway South High cheer placed first place at State competition. That is, until a few weeks ago on Dec. 2 when South competed at Lindenwood University and received first place.

Junior Molly Hogan explained the emotions that came to the girls when they found out they had won state. When they placed first they were in front of Lee’s Summit, Marshfield, Perryville, Rock Bridge, William Chrisman, Centralia, Westran and Osceola.

“We were all sitting in a circle, holding hand so tightly out of anticipation. When the announcer said we got first place, it felt so unreal, I couldn’t help the tears that were streaming down my face,” said Hogan.

This year, the squad has faced many complications but it continued to push past them. The team had to replace and adapt to a new coach in the middle of the season, when former coach Megan Cunningham got a new job at a different school. The squad is also constantly battling other activities for practice space to prepare for competitions.

“This squad is very good at getting stuff done and being productive at practices despite all of the conditions we have to adjust to,” said Coach Taylor Farmon.

Farmon said that the squad fought hard to continuously improve. After placing first at Regionals, everyone felt motivated to work as hard as they could. Especially in the week before competition, the practices are grueling and exhausting but they reward of winning always makes up for it.

“All of our injuries and painful practices were worth it because we put in the work and were determined to reach out goal,” said Jenna Watson, junior.

While this big win for South is extremely exciting, the celebration must be short lived. They must get back to work in order to prepare to travel to Nationals in Dallas, Texas in January for the first time in South’s cheerleading experience. Nationals will be a whole new world for the cheerleaders and they must still keep working.

“I am nervous, but very excited. I have so much faith in the team, and I am prepared to keep pushing to improve to be our best for Nationals,” said Coach Farmon.

Hogan said that the squad thrives on the support from each other and from the school and student body. While school spirit has been low this year, the squad hopes for support while making these big steps to represent South as best as they can.

“All activities, including cheer, could use a bump in involvement and support from the student body. I am excited to watch the squad keep building on their success,” said athletic director Pat Burns.

Hogan said that the squad this year is very close knit and the friendship and trust between each other and with Coach Farmon is a crucial key to their success.

“The team is well bonded this year, we are all good friends with each other, I love and trust the girls on the squad and I can always count on them to be there for me,” said Hogan.