By Joey McWilliams
DURANT – The Southeastern Savage Storm cheer team will be competing on a national stage this week in Daytona, Fla.
Sports presented by Indian Nation Wholesale.
The cheer team is going to be a part of the National Cheerleaders Association (NCA) College Nationals event, competing in the D-II Spirit Rally division.
It is the team’s first trip to Florida, although it is not the first competition for the program.
“We actually competed in a small, local competition last year out in Fort Hays, Kan., and that was the first time the program had ever competed in school history,” said Kailea Marshall, Southeastern Cheer Coach. “We were excited about the opportunity, it felt like we could achieve more, so we headed out to Cheer Camp out in Connors State College this past summer, and we were still kind of undetermined of what our competition season was going to look like – whether that was a local competition, hosting a competition, or chasing the next step in heading to Daytona.
“I think after we went to Cheer Camp, it was confirmed that Daytona was our next step because the team ended up winning pretty much every award that you could during that time, whether that was Top Girl at the Spirit Rally, the Highest Bid of camp, they won Highest Evaluation in ribbons. They just really showed themselves and their talent. After we got the Highest Bid of Camp, we came back and we determined that that was the next step for the program.”
The SE Cheer roster is composed of 19 cheerleaders and one mascot.
Marshall said the group is excited about the competition and the opportunity ahead.
“Southeastern’s giving them a lot of new experiences. For some of them, they’ve never even flown before, some of them are excited about that.
“But I think they’re super-excited just to represent the university in a new light. This hasn’t ever been done in the program’s history. They know what that means and they’re excited to make a name for themselves in the cheerleading world.”
Marshall emphasized the hard work that has gotten the group to this point, but also noted the gratitude of the team for the local support.
“We’re just super thankful,” Marshall said. “We know that this takes more than just the 20 individuals on the team competing, their routine is two minutes and 50 seconds. I think the community is just so supportive of us, whether that’s our friends, our family, or other student athletes at Southeastern, faculty staff, or just any alumni at Southeastern.
“Everyone has been so excited for this next step in the program and I think that’s been something that’s really given us a drive to continue to push forward, cause they need about twelve to fourteen hours a week just to practice this routine for the weekend. So, we’re just very thankful for all the support, and realize that takes more than the students on the team and the coaches that take the trip.
The competition will be broadcast on Varsity TV (at a subscription fee). CLICK HERE