Last Sunday, December 9, the RBHS cheer team competed in Cape Girardeau to qualify to nationals. After an impressive first place finish for their game day routine and a second place for their competitive routine, the group scored enough points to qualify to nationals for game day. Nationals will take place at Orlando, Florida next February.
The last time the cheer squad competed in nationals was 2011, so coaches and athletes alike were ecstatic for the qualification. RBHS cheer coach of three years, Kristine Hayes, said she’s extremely proud of the team’s improvement since when she first joined the program as well as for the hard work her student athletes invested throughout the year.
“The level of talent has increased tremendously in the three years I have been here. Returning kids are upping their game and new kids are coming in with more skills,” said Hayes. “Also the level of commitment each athlete is willing to give, they don’t just want to do well, they work hard to meet the goals they have set and then make new one.”
Sophomore Mackenzie Harvey started as an alternative for the varsity team. A few weeks prior she became officially a part of the varsity team. She said competing on the varsity level has opened many exciting opportunities, but with the higher level, more nerves as well.