Sports

Cheer team takes 6th at Oxford Invitational

Teri Stiles

January
19, 2005 - Although
the Oxford Competitive Cheer Invitational on Saturday, Jan. 15 was a huge
success, Oxford Cheerleader Head Coach Kristie
Gibson-Marshall said her team fell short on performance.

The varsity squad placed sixth out of 10 teams at the
invitational.

Marshall said because they are such a young team they need to focus on
strength training and stunts.

"Tumbling seems to be our strength, but it still needs
work too," she said.

But team work is the most important strength the group
needs to develop on the mat, according to Marshall.

"We need to get team work— focus on the
team," said Marshall.

"As a team, if someone is missing we struggle, it just
can't be done and it's so frustrating, but that's the nature of the
game," she said.

As for the invitational itself, Marshall
said it was one of the best competitions Oxford has hosted and credits the parents
of the cheerleaders for organizing the meet. "The parents did a great
job with the invitational," she said. "The parents
team work made it great."

As for placing sixth among ten teams, Marshall said she has confidence the
Wildcat Cheerleader Team will continue to improve. "As a coach I realize
any team struggles and that's something we can work through – we'll be
fine," she said.