The energy and enthusiasm of the cheer team at Keys High School continues a strong commitment to school spirit.  “We’ve continued a legacy of school spirit with this year’s team,” replied Denise Snyder, who has coached this squad for 16 years. “I think the fact that Covid wiped out the competition last year has made everyone, especially our seniors, appreciate the opportunity a lot more.”

The leadership from the four seniors has created a high level of commitment and expectation for this year’s team. “Harley, Skylah, Riley and Caitlyn have been great leaders. As four-year members of the team, they know what’s required for our team to reach our goals,” Snyder said.

Like other sports, cheer requires preparation for the competitive season as well as the many school year activities. “This season got off to a great start with our summer camp at Extreme Cheer in Tulsa. The girls bonded as a team while learning their cheer skills,” said Snyder. “Virtually no one was ready to go home on the final day.”

Preparation is a daily requirement for the 18 members of the Keys cheer squad according to their coach. “You have to be in condition to be your best, that’s why we train hard with aerobics, yoga and other workout routines,” explained Snyder. “We practice six hours a week after school. That still allows the kids to participate in other activities. Several of the girls are also running cross-country and playing soccer.”

The daily workout routines will prepare the Cougars squad for the OSSAA GameDay later this year. “Switching our focus to competing in the GameDay competition has carried over to our day-to-day efforts on the sidelines of creating an abundance of school spirit.”

GameDay cheer competition demands a championship level of spirit as well as basic jumps and stunts with the Keys team combining in groups of confidence and trust. “Each group will have one back spot, two bases and a flyer,” explained Snyder, “and when you’re on top, you have to trust your teammates to hold you that high off the ground.”

Keys HS Cheer 2021-22

Seniors: Caitlin Garner, Harley Handle, Skylah Phillips, Riley Stanley

Junior: Shaylee Plumb  

Sophomores: Chloee Barnes, Lily Bond, Jaylyn Callaway, Maggie Carter, Lacey Laymon, Ava McCause, Emma Teague, Ellie Walls

Freshmen: Rhylee Chuculate, Meadow Deem, Emily Pilon, Emma Walker, Brixy Ziese

Coaches
Head Coach: Denise Snyder
Assistant: Audra Stilwell