Heritage eyeing return to state finals
The Heritage High School competition cheerleading program is no stranger to performing on the big stage, including last year when they won a region title (6-AAAA) and placed eighth in the Class AAAA state finals.
And although this year has provided numerous challenges with the delayed start to the competition season, not to mention the havoc still being caused by COVID-19, head coach Meredith Burkett said her team is continuing its push toward regionals.
“Our girls are progressing steadily this year,” she explained. “We have had a few setbacks with girls getting quarantined and have had to work to catch back up, but we are finally in a good place and moving forward.”
The Navy-and-Red are taking the mats this season without a senior on the roster, but there is still plenty of veterans Burkett can count on to help provide leadership.
McKenna Bialecke, Layla Brown, Payton Higdon, Kelsey Proctor, Abby Scott and Kaitlyn Sullivan make up the junior class, while the sophomores include Coley Bailey, Mia Caheely, Ashley Cao, Gabby Dixon, Emma Hamilton, Ivory Robinson and Lyndsi Wright.
The team is rounded out with a trio of rookies in freshmen Kynlie Guinn, Sarah Saylors and Lily Scott.
Burkett said that while the long, extended season has provided a few ups and downs, she feels her squad still has good overall chemistry, a fact proven by a win in a competition last Saturday.
“The girls have mostly all worked together since they were sixth graders,” she said.
“They’re like a family and even when there are hard days, they still love each other and want what’s best for the team.”
The coach added that, like in past years, the team’s routine has plenty of difficulty, adding that they are “looking to maximize in tumbling” to help give their scores a boost.
“The biggest thing we need to focus on moving forward (the rest of the season) is being mentally prepared for the inconsistencies that happen when you are competing,” she added. “If the girls can learn to overcome those things, they will do well.”