STIGLER CHEER AMONG STATE’S BEST 

The Stigler Panthers cheer squad is having another exciting season of spirited support and exhilarating competition. 

The 2023-24 team has been hard at work and head coach Angie Citty notes they have embraced new challenges. “We are a very ‘young’ team this year,” she said. “Plus, we added the dynamics of two boys to the team. We’ve traditionally been all-girl for the most part, so this caused us to step out of our comfort zone and learn new skills and techniques to include co-ed stunting. These kids blew us away at how quickly they caught on!”

Caught on would be an understatement as the Panthers cheer team qualified for the OSSAA state championships competing in the small co-ed bracket finishing with a top five score among the 12-team field. Additionally, three members of the team Ella Waselkow, Gentry Powell and Kady Bickle earned All-Region honors from the Oklahoma Coaches Association. 

Motivation and focus is key during both practices and games, but team bonding is where memories are made. The leadership of team captains Emma Zachary, a four-year varsity cheerleader and Waselkow strive to lead those efforts.

“We never really do the same things every year as the team dynamics change, but we have done sleepover events, trips and themed practices,” Citty explains. “Team cohesion and spirit is essential for any cheer squad. We try to find time for fun along with the work, even if it’s just a few minutes of an impromptu dance party”

Citty reveals her excitement for an exciting change to this year’s squad. “One major change is that we have added a new assistant coach, Kynadi Self, a Stigler varsity cheer alum who brings a wealth of experience and enthusiasm to the team.”

For aspiring cheerleaders, coach Citty has a simple yet powerful piece of advice: “Just keep working. Keep going to tumbling lessons and keep working on your skills. Don’t be afraid to try!”