GRC Cheer prepares for state competition in home gym

GRC Cheer will compete in KHSAA State on January 10th at GRC Arena. (CCPS photo)

GRC’s cheer program is celebrating a milestone season, one built on long practices, late nights, and a healthy dose of dedication from a young team learning to compete at a high level.

The 10th Region champions will compete in KHSAA State on Saturday, January 10th, at GRC Arena. They will take the floor at 2:46 p.m. in the 2-1/2 minute traditional category.

“When we won region, I was super excited for the girls," said Coach Jerrica Whitaker. "They had worked really hard, and it was just something that's always kind of been within arm's reach for them. And so it was really exciting for them to finally win region, get to celebrate, and see their hard work pay off.”

Some recent injuries have caused the squad to have to adjust the routine last minute.

"Losing two teammates to injury wasn’t easy, but these girls chose resilience over excuses," Coach Whitaker said. "They’ve committed to lifting each other up and making this routine the best it can be right now."

The team’s preparation for elite competition is tiring just to think about. “I have girls who go to school and work 15 to 20 hours, and then still have to practice and cheer games, along with their other activities," Coach Whitaker said. "It's a huge commitment.”

Balancing competition practice, basketball games, academics, jobs, and in some cases, outside cheer program involvement, requires serious discipline. To stay grounded, the team relies heavily on goal-setting.

“We regularly set goals — to make state, to hit all of our stunts, to improve our jumps. And as soon as they came off the mat, they come up with new goals to improve their own performance and the routine as a whole. Setting tangible goals, then reaching them really boosts their confidence.”

Despite having a young roster, including seven girls who had never competed, the team has pushed forward with determination, learning each step together.

"It's definitely a very proud moment for all of us to be able to compete at state as region champs," said senior Bailey Adkins.

Senior Tatum Durham, who has cheered since kindergarten, said through injuries and adjustments, the team has become stronger. “Everybody has been very patient and has worked together so well to make this routine the best it can be," she said.

The connection between GRC’s squad and the RDC Junior High team (story coming soon) is also building on the Clark County cheer tradition.

"The excellence of their program is helping ours so much," Coach Whitaker said. "When our girls watched RDC compete, it really helped them bond. Seeing them pray together before the performance brought tears to my eyes."

Indeed, cheer is much more to these girls than competitions and championships.

Durham says she has learned leadership and confidence. "Cheer has taught me to get out of my shell more, to encourage others, and be able to lead a crowd," she said.

The family-like support system makes the hard work worth it. "I look forward to cheer every day, being able to talk to my friends and be a part of something special," said junior Octavia Duncan. "It's just one big family and I'm so grateful for our coaches putting in the work to better us and keep us going. I love it."

For Adkins, what started as something new turned into a journey of self discovery. "I started cheering as a freshman who didn't really know what I was doing but was just following in the footsteps of my sister," she said. "This sport and my coaches have helped me so much. I have really become my own person, learning how to be a part of my community and open myself up for new experiences."

With a busy basketball season just getting started and the state competition in a few days, the girls are working hard and enjoying the moments.

"I'm so proud of all the things this team has overcome to get where we are," said Adkins. "We couldn't be more excited to compete in state in our own arena. It's awesome, unexplainable really."