Serving the Big Horn Basin for over 100 years
Serving the Big Horn Basin for over 100 years
Worland High School cheer member Sydney Davis leads a cheer during the state spirit competition last Wednesday in Casper.
Members of the Worland High School cheer and dance team compete in the Hip Hop division at the State Spirit Competition March 8, 2023, at the Ford Wyoming center in Casper.
Worland High School's cheerleaders had two goals going into the Wyoming High School Activities Association State Spirit Competition on March 8: Zero deductions on their State Cheer Game Day performance, and to beat last year's score. They returned home from Casper having accomplished both.
The team placed third in Hip Hop Dance, which the cheerleaders choreographed themselves. In Game Day, the team took home 10th place with a score of 74.2.
Coach Nickie Lloyd was proud of her team's performance. In dance, she said, "They brought in attitude and sass and just went above and beyond what we asked of them."
For State Cheer Game Day, Lloyd challenged the team to learn Kansas State's Wabash routine. "It is a really hard college routine, and they nailed it, it was amazing," Lloyd said.
Lloyd noted that 307 Twisters Coach Donna Hunter allowed the cheerleaders to use her gym every Monday for stunting, tumbling and jumps. After the team choreographed their dance routine, Tap's Dance Studio Owner Teri Parker helped them clean it up for competition with insights on judging. "It's just a community effort to love our kids, which is great," Lloyd remarked.
The cheerleaders return the favor, with monthly community service projects. This year, the team had a strong focus on unity. Throughout the season, they built bonds and friendships that helped them be successful working together. "We hope to continue to build our program in that direction and get away from any preconceived notions of what cheer is," Lloyd said.
"They just love what they do, so the trophy is just kind of a bonus. We have a great group of kids; I'm going to really miss our seniors. You spend so much time with your state teams that you get mom-ish attached to them." Lloyd noted that this year's graduating cheerleaders have left a lasting impact and legacy on the program. She is excited for next year and hopes to bring home two new trophies.
