The National Tournament highlighted nearly 13,000 cheerleaders from 667 teams across the nation. The Corbin squad competed in medium varsity division II. The squad performed their routine so well in the national prelims they were able to advance straight to the finals where they won the National Title by less than 2 points.
“We set out three years ago on a mission to make a dream of winning a National Title come true. Sunday we made that dream a reality. We have had many obstacles get in our path over those 3 years. We as a team and coaching staff didn’t allow them to throw us off that path. We kept our minds straight, worked hard earned that title. Saying I am proud of these girls is an understatement. We have a group of hard working athletes on and off the mat and they deserve this win. I would also like to thank our administration for believing in us and this program in the beginning, they allowed us to start this journey and make our dream come true.” Head Coach Shonya O’Neill said.
The cheerleaders were judged based on their stunting and tumbling skills, crowd-leading abilities, difficulty, execution, and overall performance. The difficulty in the pyramids and jumps as well as the execution of the routine allowed the Corbin High School Cheerleaders to edge out national powerhouse Rocky Point from New York.
The Corbin squad has been working on the National Routine since July when they attended UCA camp at the University of Kentucky. The squad practiced two to three hours per day, approximately four days a week to perfect the routine, plus cheering football and basketball games. The cheer seniors commented it was their hard work and effort that earned them the National Title.
“We would have been happy with whatever place we received, we did our best and left it all on the mat”. Senior Cassidy Green said.
The Corbin High School Cheerleaders won the State Championship for the second year in a row earlier this season. Last year, the squad placed 4th at the National Tournament. The cheerleading team is led by Head Coach Shonya O’Neill, with assistant coaches Jaime Grubb and Tiffani Wyatt, and the team’s choreographer and stunt coach, Bryce Seals. The squad includes Corbin High School Seniors Keeli Barton, Alexus Daily and Cassidy Green; Juniors Lexie Carr, Hannah Coots, Mayci Fullmer, Shaylla Shelton and Breanna Smith; Sophomores Emily Davis, Chloe Ingle, Hannah Matlock, Abbey Norvell, Bailee O’Kuma, Madison O’Kuma, Bailee O’Neill and Kaylee Sturgill; and Freshmen Sarah Gilbert, Savannah Moore, Lindsi Rose and Halie Trosper.
The 2016 National High School Cheerleading Competition will air on ESPNU and ESPN2 starting in March and will continue through April. Viewers can check local listings for air times.