Trading black for red

Pea Ridge Blackhawk senior cheerleader Steven Ty Conner will cheer on the University of Arkansas Razorback cheer squad next year.

He is the fourth Blackhawk to be selected to the Razorback cheer squad in the past decade. Previous cheerleaders to go onto the U of A include Jake Patton, Dalton Fralin and Joey Beauchamp.

“I’m so proud of Ty and his committment. The U of A is fortunate to have such a talented and driven individual,” Melissa Meyers, Blackhawk cheer coach, said. “I expect his leadership skills will set him apart there as they have at Pea Ridge.”

“We cheered at the Red and White game Saturday,” Conner said.

He said he recently attended a three-day clinic learning the hog call, cheers and tumbling

required for the try-outs. He said he was judged on many aspects including partner stunting.

The try-out also included an interview.

“We will practice as much as three times a day this summer. We also have to do a lot of appearances and community events,” he said. This year’s team is also a “national team,” Conner said, explaining that they will compete in Florida for the Universal Cheerleading Association.

Conner said he gets to pick his dorm soon and will contract in June. He said he plans to major in broadcast journalism.

Conner is the son of Vicki Williamson of Prairie Grove and grandson of Stanley and Judy Williamson of Avoca.