Cheerleaders Prepare for Region Event
The Jasper County-Monticello High School competition cheerleading team is eyeing this weekend’s region meet with lofty aspirations.
“Our goal is to present a tight, clean routine in which the girls can be proud,” said coach Bonnie Garvin. “This has been a very difficult season as we have battled against multiple COVID quarantines as well as injuries. A traditional season runs July through mid-November. However, GHSA extended the competitive cheer season this year through February. This was in response to COVID. Therefore, we have had an extremely long season.”
The region meet will be in Vidalia and the team’s coach said she is extremely proud of how her athletes have performed for2020-2021. The all-day event for the 3-AA title will be Saturday at Vidalia High School.
“This year, we reunited our football cheerleaders and competition cheerleaders,” Garvin said. “I think the technique and performance on the sideline was increased this year as a result. At this point, we have competed at one competition in Morgan where we took first place for AA.”
Squad members include seniors Sara Wingham (co-captain), Terri Langford and Janesia Wyman; juniors Briana Dekle (co-captain), Abby Byrd, Gabby Alvarado, Jaylyn Wyatt and Kate Miller; sophomores Ashlyn Rogers, Taka Thompson, Kensle Lindsey and Amiyah Cash and freshmen Cortney Wyman, Emma Holmes, Loralye Irwin, Madeline Dekle, Keirra Clark and Madison Hardman.
Now in her second season coaching the competition cheerleaders, Garvin has been assisted this season by Stephanie Dean.
“She has been a blessing, helping me manage the intricacies of the job as well as bringing additional knowledge and experience to our team,” Garvin said.
Garvin and Dean also worked together coaching the football cheerleaders this past fall.
A strong enough finish at region would put the Cheer Canes in the state finals in Columbus Feb. 15-16.
“This is a young team with room to grow,” Garvin said. “I anticipate a lot of growth in the next few years. They are extremely coachable. I can say with confidence that every athlete leaves her ego at the door when she comes to practice. It is refreshing to coach such a fine group of young women.”
One long-term goal for the team is to continue improving on scores from previous meets.
“A we grow, our tumbling will improve which will improve our score at competitions,” Garvin said. “Also, we hope to compete in Game Day next February, which is a competition reserved for sideline squads. It will be the first time JCHS has participated in this competition.”