Washington County Enterprise-Leader
Razorback Cheerleader CONNOR PITTS
Two Lincoln Area Students Tried Out For Razorback Cheer Squad
LINCOLN — Connor Pitts, a senior at Lincoln High School, is taking his skill to the next level and will be part of the 2012-13 University of Arkansas cheer squad.
“Connor has been selected to our 2012-13 Razorback Cheer Squad. We will be doing some information on all our new members after the UA semester (and their senior year) has been completed,” said Jean Nail, Spirit Coordinator for the University of Arkansas.
Pitts and Shae Dorman, both of Cane Hill, were among the DVD finalists in tryouts. Both are seniors at Lincoln and among 11 Arkansas residents of the 15 DVD finalists. According to Lincoln cheer advisor Jana Claybrook, Dorman has not cheered in high school, but was a junior high cheerleader. Claybrook said Dorman has continued to work out and compete in gymnastics.
Claybrook was excited about the prospect of having two Lincoln students try out for the Razorback cheer squad.
“This has never happened before,” Claybrook said.
Pitts knew as a sophomore he would try out for the University of Arkansas team.
“That’s when I decided that’s what I wanted to do,” Pitts said.
According to the University website, Razorback cheerleaders are judged on ability to lead a crowd, appearance and poise, spirit and enthusiasm, coordination and rhythm, motions/technique, partner stunts, chants, tumbling and personal interview.
Pitts is noted for his ability to execute backhand springs across the football field or gym floor and showed off his skill publicly for the first time in a Razorback uniform at the Red/white spring football game Saturday. He says he is only limited in the number he can perform by space.
“You have to trust yourself cause you’re flipping your body around,” Pitts said, adding, “You must believe you can do it.”
Pitts has always wanted to go to the University of Arkansas and likes cheering, as well.
“I wanted to combine both, I think it’s going to be a really great experience. It’s something I want to do,” Pitts said.
Pitts is the son of Guatha and the late Russell Pitts. His father passed away five years ago and the adjustment has been trying at times.
“It’s been tough, I know I don’t need to stop living, I’ve got to enjoy life as much as I can,” Pitts said.
Pitts is in his fifth year of cheering, having begun in his eighthgrade year.
“I enjoy going to all the football and basketball games and being in front of the crowd,” Pitts said, adding, “Especially with this great football season we’ve had (at Lincoln) this year. I was glad to be a part of that.”
“Seeing your child achieve a dream that you know he has worked very hard to accomplish is an amazing feeling,” said Guatha Pitts, Connor’s mother.