Tumbling, team chemistry big keys for Ringgold
After a fifth-place finish in the state finals last season, the Ringgold competition cheerleading squad is looking to equal or excel that position this time around.
Head coach Anna Crisp explained that the squad going with 13 athletes this season was the best way to maximize their abilities in order to earn the highest possible scores.
“The routine is as hard as we can make it with the skills we can do this year,” she said. “We have more tumbling this year than last year and we have more elite stunts as well.”
Quarantines forced the Blueand-White to drop out of its first two scheduled competitions, but they announced their presence with authority last Saturday with a firstplace showing at the Pepperell Cheer Classic.
“We performed at our home competition, but that was all,” Crisp added. “So we were excited to really get started (last) weekend. We will compete every weekend from now until, hopefully, state.”
Ringgold has a solid mix of veterans and underclassmen on the floor this season.
The team is led by seniors Gabi Clarke, Hagen Dilbeck, Makenna Jones (alternate), Sydney Logan and Abigail Smith, along with juniors Madison Brown, Audrey Gaston (alternate), Graci Shipp and Cameron Sony.
The sophomore class features Hannah Corvin, Madison Cropper, Paige Melton and Gracey Wilburn (alternate), while freshmen Zoe Byers, Briana Dedmon and Dayton Ware comprise this
year’s rookie class.
Even with the lengthened season, Crisp said the team chemistry is top-notch.
“Our season is normally over by now, so I know it’s a long and grueling season this year, but the girls have
continued to work together and push each other to reach our team goals,” she stated. “I’m sure they are tired and ready for a break, but they haven’t let that stop them from working hard every day so we can make it to the state finals.”
And with the biggest events right around the corner, Crisp said consistency is what needs to be the team’s main focus
down the stretch.
“With all of the sickness and/or quarantining at school, school holidays, etc., it’s been hard to have consistent practices with all of the competition team there,” she added. “We’re hoping that all of that is behind us and we need to continue to work and go full out so we can hit our routine consistently at practices.”