They’ve been cheering on our teams all year. Now we get to return the favor.
On April 12, our very own Oak Creek Ranch School Cheer Squad won the National Championship at the American Showcase National Cheerleading Competition in Anaheim, California. They beat out squads from all over the country to take home the trophy in the Co-ed Small School Division. It’s a remarkable accomplishment—particularly considering our squad has been in existence for less than a year.
This is a true Cinderella story. The team was nothing but a dream when Coach La Rinda “Ren” Sterling approached the Dean of Residential Life in mid summer 2009 asking if she could form a squad. She had experience coaching her own daughters in cheer and thought it would be a great way to boost school spirit here at OCRS. Interest grew during the last summer school session and as the fall semester began, the Wildcat cheer squad was formed with several students, only one of whom had any cheer experience.
Members of Oak Creek’s National Championship Cheer Squad include Captain Tara G., Assistant Captains Cali H. and Reed C., Team Manager Corey M. and phenomenal squad members Emma G., Kaitlin M., Charles J., Joey S. and Andy W.
Emma summed up the experience perfectly: “I joined the OCRS cheer squad to try something new. Through this experience, I learned that if you set your mind to something you will accomplish it.”
The squad practiced six to eight hours a week throughout the school year, in addition to cheering on the OCRS football and basketball teams during their seasons. Many of the students on the squad also played multiple sports while practicing for the National Championships. It was a tremendous amount of hard work, but right from the beginning Coach Ren promised that if they remained focused and dedicated she would enter them in the competition.
When asked why she joined the squad, Terra said, “At first I just wanted something to do. But then I discovered that I really liked it and was having a lot of fun. Going to the National Championship was nerve racking, but once I got on the stage it was so amazing. It made all the practices and pushups Coach Ren made us do, worth it.”
Charles concurred, “There were both good and bad times during practices but they were life long lessons. My best memories are of the sportsmanship and camaraderie—we felt unstoppable and we went out there and won.”
Fundraisers and donations from parents made it possible for the team to participate in the three-day competition. But once they got to Anaheim it wasn’t all work and no play. While there, the squad was able to go to Newport Beach, Knott’s Berry Farm and take a stroll down the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Congratulations to Coach Ren and the entire Oak Creek Ranch School cheer squad. We can hardly wait to see you defend your title next year. Go Wildcats!
