BRIDGEPORT – Last year the Bridgeport High School cheerleaders made history by bringing home the school’s first championship victory at the Ohio Valley Athletic Conference.
This year, they decided to do it again.
The team was charged with excitement following their OVAC competition Feb. 7 at Wheeling University where they went up against cheer teams from four other schools and achieved back-to-back championship wins.
Coach Kaylynn Yates recalled the satisfaction of seeing her cheerleaders hit their marks in the competition where it counted most. Yates knew the work they put into the program, and their victory proved last school year’s OVAC championship win was no one-off.
“We just wanted to make sure we did everything right to come out on top. It was very exciting to see the girls’ reactions when they heard that we won,” she said. “We’ve just been practicing really hard and taking back feedback and continuing to improve every competition.”
The team is now preparing for their final state competition through the Ohio Association of Secondary School Administrators in Columbus Feb. 20, but Yates said this is already a year to remember for the four seniors on the cheering team. Ariel Bennett-Rush, Liberty Chambers, Taelor Bowers and Chloe Cuiksa are all concluding their high school careers as two-time champs.
Yates said the team is feeling the momentum and looking to next year.
“We’re losing four seniors, so the underclassmen are going to have some big shoes to fill, but I think they have the potential as long as they put in the work.”
The team brought their A-game to OVAC.
Excelling in cheer was practically a family tradition for Ariel Bennett-Rush. Her sister, Abbie Bennett-Rush, was on the team as a senior last year and has since graduated.
She said their performance was very nearly flawless.
“It being my senior year and us also taking that title is very exciting,” she said, adding the cheerleaders had team spirit and mutual support as they all gave their best.
“Watching the other competition, we realized that we kind of had first place. In my eyes, I thought we did way better than everyone else.”
Liberty Chambers said the cheerleaders were motivated to win.
“It was definitely very nerve-wracking because our last competition before OVAC was BITS (Best in the State) and Monroe Central beat us in that competition, so we were kind of nervous,” she said.
“When we were doing our routine and I heard everyone cheering, when we would land our jumps and I knew everyone landed the correct way, I knew that we had it from there, Liberty said. “When everyone’s cheering, it gets your momentum going, so we all had a lot of momentum going into the routine and finishing it.”
Taelor Bowers said the win was rewarding.
“We were beat by a team that hasn’t beaten us previously. We were going against them in OVAC so we were a little nervous that they were going to beat us again,” she said. But the team soon gained confidence.
“After performing, we all felt like we did our best. We felt very prepared,” she said. “It was very rewarding to be able to get it again this year.”
Chloe Cuiksa agreed.
“We did an amazing job overall.”
Chloe said they also benefitted from the excitement of their junior teammate, Jaicee Bradac.
“She is constantly keeping us on our toes and telling us that we’re going to do great,” she said, adding they are confident she will excel in the senior cheerleader role next school year.
Cheerleading is a demanding sport with the longest season of any team, and the school recognizes the work these student athletes put in. They said the school’s response has been overwhelming.
The seniors reflected on all they have accomplished as they close out their time as Bulldogs.
“It is exciting to know that it’s over just because it’s been four years, and my four years here have been really good,” Ariel said. She advises up and coming cheerleaders to keep their priorities. “Focus on the team. Focus on your technique because that’s where they nail you at every comp in the scores.”
Liberty agreed.
“When it all came together and we won, it felt like the hours we put in practicing were definitely worth it,” Liberty said. She added future cheerleaders cannot go wrong by listening to Coach Yates
Taelor said a commitment to improvement is vital.
“Listen to what they’re told, apply the corrections and work hard.”
Chloe said ending their cheering career is bittersweet.
“We definitely accomplished a lot, so it makes the goodbye less hard knowing we left a mark on the school,” she said. “Cherish every moment of it. Your outcome’s only going to be as good as the work you put in.”
Principal Jack Fisher said the cheerleaders have gotten into a good habit.
“They’ve got something good going,” he said. “Back-to-back champs, which is amazing. It just shows how amazing the program they’re building is, when you have year-to-year success. I just commend the girls for the incredible hard work they’ve put in. Tons of work. It’s the longest season we have. It’s a testament to their hard work and the great guidance, leadership and coaching that Coach Kay gives them. I’m incredibly proud of them all.”
