***Photo Credit – Comanche Spirit Photography
Teams that are successful usually have a few things in common. One of those is that they are willing to work hard to achieve the goals they have set for themselves. Chesnei Thomas has been a cheer coach for eleven years, but she is in her first year at the helm of the Alva cheer program. She says that her squad is not afraid to invest the time and energy needed.
“This year’s team has a desire to work hard and do the little things the right way,” Thomas said. “We are a young team, with no seniors and several athletes who had never cheered before. However, with their tenacity and dedication, you would think we were a team of seasoned veterans. One of the team’s biggest strengths is how coachable they are and how willing they are to take constructive criticism from our coaching staff, but also one another. They hold themselves to a high standard and have an extremely bright future ahead of them.”
Before coming to Alva High School, Chesnie has previously head coached at Northwestern Oklahoma State University and Alva Middle School. This is also her assistant, Maya Stewart’s first year coaching.
Junior Garrett Killman is a member of the Goldbugs cheer squad and says that she loves every part of cheering.
“I really enjoy cheering on my team and I really enjoy being a leader,” Killman said. “I love that our cheer team is not just a team, but we are more like a family.”
The Goldbugs have also racked up their share of awards and honors. They attended the Universal Cheer Association camp at the University of Oklahoma and they walked away with a haul.
“We finished second overall in Small Varsity, Small Varsity Sideline/Cheer, and Small Varsity Camp Routine,” coach Thomas recalled. “We also finished third in the Small Varsity GameDay Routine. We also received Gold Superior in Sideline Cheer and GameDay Routine. There were four members of our squad that were named 2023 UCA All-Americans. They were Garrett Killman, Avery Goss, Brooklyn Mackey, and Maddie Ryerson. Attending the OU cheer camp was so much fun and a great learning experience for all of us.”
Another member of the team, junior Randee Perks, likes how the team as a whole is always there for each other.
“Something that I enjoy about our team is how we all get along so well,” Perks said. “Nobody is left out on the team. This team also gave me my confidence back. I feel so comfortable around them. I also enjoy when people get excited and cheer with us. It brings energy and excitement.”
