By Derrick Smith
The Owasso High School Cheer Team is a hard-working group that does whatever needs to be done in order to be their best. Fourth-year head coach Leslie Vanmeter says that trust is one of the biggest assets of her team.
“Their ability to trust is definitely one of this team’s strengths,” she said. “Trust the training process, trust themselves and the skills they have, trust that their teammates are going to do their jobs, and trust in the coaching staff.”
Over the past few seasons, the Lady Rams cheer team has brought home their share of awards. In the 2018-2019 school year, they won the Class 6A Gameday State Championship. For the 2019-2020 school year, they brought home awards for Large Coed Performance State Championship, 6A Gameday State Championship, STUNT the Sports State Champions, STUNT the Sport Grand State Champions, and the 2019 NCA Grand National Championship. Last season, they won the Cass 6A Gameday State Championship, 2020 UCA Small All-Girl Silver Medalist, and 2020 UCA Small Coed 5th Place.
Reece Cunningham, who is a senior captain, says that the camaraderie between past and present members of the squad is something that makes the group special.
“I have always loved Owasso varsity cheer team’s bond,” she said. “We truly are a family no matter if you’ve graduated or if you’re a freshman on the team. I think our love for each other sets us apart from other teams.”
Another senior captain, Rinzey Walters, says that she is proud to be a representative of Owasso high school.
“I enjoy cheering for Owasso for so many reasons,” she said. “I’m am so grateful for the student body of Owasso and the amazing atmosphere the people of Owasso provide. It is a blessing to represent the Owasso Rams.”
Hailey Campbell, who serves as the junior captain says she has a great group of friends that she cheers with and grows with.
“I love the compassion that we all have for each other and for what we do,” Campbell said about her team. “We all want the best for one another, and will help each other to reach any goals we have. When I look at anyone on our team I can see the love that they have for cheer.”
