WCHS Cheer Team Wins State Championship

Cheer Team Brings Home State Championship

November 21, 2006 - Facing twenty-one of the top high school cheerleading squads from across state, the William Chrisman Varsity Cheerleading Squad executed a near-flawless three-minute routine on November 18th at the Missouri State Cheerleading Championships. The judges rewarded their efforts by recognizing the Bears as the State Champions in the 5A Large Division. It was William Chrisman’s first team state title since 1995, when the Cheerleading Squad also won the state championship. The 2006 squad qualified for the state championships by winning the district competition in August.

The routine, which was a choreographed combination of cheers, gymnastics, dance moves and team stunts was created and perfected over a six-month period. Practices were held throughout the summer and at least four nights each week, including conditioning training to build strength and endurance. Debbie O’Renick, William Chrisman’s cheerleading team coach, says the competition has grown more difficult each year. “When you get to state, there is very little separation between the top squads,” O’Renick said. “It comes down to preparation and the ability of the girls to block out the distractions and execute.”

Finishing strong at the annual State Cheerleading Championships is nothing new to William Chrisman. The squad has finished in the top five in its class in 16 of the last 18 years. O’Renick said that the 2006 squad was proud that they could carry on this tradition. “They’re really looking forward to adding another state championship banner to the collection,” O’Renick said. “I couldn’t be more proud of how hard they worked all year to get ready for the competition. You could tell from the moment they stepped on the floor they were ready.”

Members of the 2006 Missouri State Championship Cheerleading Squad are: Tiffany Bohrer, Ebonee Bright, Lauren Byrd, Joanna Chavez, Lindsey DeLong, Crystal Escobar, Jessica Johnson, Jenna Jones, Leann McLaughlin, Samantha Morain, Melissa Nichols, Heather Rice, Lauren Sanders, MCKenzie Schroll, Mercedes Smith, Kiera Stacker, Sarah Stranak. In addition to O’Renick, the squad is coached by Kelli Martin and Scott Alexander.