Dance, cheer and gymnastics have been a part of Heavener senior Cheyenne Wibourn’s life since she was little and will continue to be after high school.
“I started in gymnastics when I was little and did that until I got to high school. I’ve been in and out of school and competitive cheer for most of that time as well though I took a break in middle school. My favorite part of cheer is tumbling. It just makes me happy. I feel like nothing is wrong when I’m tumbling, and it makes me smile. The hardest part of cheer is the extra work you have to put in to be really good. I take it seriously. I stretch, workout and take tumbling lessons in addition to working on cheers and dances on my own time.”
Just like in any other sport, the teams vary in what makes a good team and a great team according to Cheyenne.
“The basics of cheer are cheering and dancing, but the really good squads are ones that also tumble, stunt, jump and kick. These ‘extras’ should be a part of cheer and it’s my nature to want to be a part of that.”
Cheyenne’s cheer coach, Shaylie Sanders, appreciates the dedication and skill that she has brought to the team in the year and a half that she’s been at Heavener.
“Cheyenne is a joy to have on the team. She can do it all. She’s been a flyer, back spot and base at different times and it’s fun to watch her show off her tumbling at every game. She’s got a 4.0 GPA and she’s a good leader who willingly helps the underclassmen when asked. You can tell she has a real passion for cheer.”
Cheyenne describes herself as hardworking, self-disciplined and creative. She combines that hard work with some advice she picked up from friends to form a great attitude about tackling new challenges.
“I don’t ever get involved in something unless I plan to work hard and do great at it. Some advice I got along the way is to approach new challenges by ‘doing it afraid’. Even though something might be scary, by ‘doing it afraid’ it will help you get over the fear and help you live life with no regrets.”
Cheyenne is at the top of her class academically and is active in student council, National Honor Society and BPA as well as taking part in the school musical. She will attend Carl Albert next year on a cheer scholarship and plans on getting her basics and then becoming a personal trainer with hopes of coaching gymnastics and cheer one day.