Cheer teams work hard to perfect their craft. Whether they are cheering on their football team under the Friday night lights or competing in a cheer competition, their success is the result of hard work. Robbi Martin leads the Sallisaw Black Diamond cheer squad and she says that while the work is vital, her team has excelled in other areas.
“This year, our team’s most significant strength has been mental toughness,” Martin said. “They’ve had to overcome numerous challenges this competition season and adapt to change more times than I can count. To be mentally tough means many things, including overcoming and pushing through doubt and fear while still giving their all. We are extremely proud of them for persevering through everything they have faced.”
Senior Casey Brackett is proud to be a member of the cheer team.
“I enjoy cheering for my school because I love to encourage them to do their very best,” she said. “I also like when our team comes together during competition to make a really cool routine.”
Shaylee Choate, another senior on this year’s squad, enjoys the closeness she has with her team.
“What I enjoy most about my team is our bond,” Choate said. “I love how we all push each other to be better every day. We have unique bonds and support each other, which I love.”
The team’s hard work has not gone unnoticed and they have the hardware to show for it. This year’s team finished fifth at the OSSAA Performance State competition. They also finished eleventh out of over forty teams in the OSSAA GameDay State Competition. They were awarded the Distinguished Academic Achievement Award and one member of the team made the All-Region Cheer.
Wearing the Black Diamond cheer uniform is something that senior Trinity Cox is proud to be able to do.
“My favorite part about cheering for Sallisaw is all of the school spirit and having the community behind you,” Cox said. “The school and community make it fun and enjoyable. The environment of Sallisaw Public Schools is like no other. Getting to be a part of the environment and spirit at Sallisaw is my most favorite part.”
