Teams of all sports work hard to be the best they can when it is time to compete. They know that if they do not put in the work required, they will not be able to reach the goals they have set for themselves. Kelsie Lopez is in her seventh season as the coach of the Hugo High School cheer squad and she says that her team’s is great at working to continually improve.

“I would have to say that my team’s biggest strength is their determination to get better every day,” Lopez said. “They want to look good on the sidelines and do well in competitions. So in order to do that, they have consistently put in the work and it shows.”

T’Real Biggers is a senior on the team and says that she enjoys being a part of a team that works so well together.

“The thing I enjoy the most about cheering for my school is the school spirt,” Biggers said. “I like that we always have fun win or lose. I really love being on this team because we all get along and have fun while we get the things done that we need to get done.”

As a junior on team, EJ Spillman echoes Biggers thoughts and loves the support of the team.

“One thing I enjoy most about cheering for my school is the spirit,” EJ said. “I love that we always have spirit win or lose. I also like the team because we work hard and always there for each other.”

Lopez makes sure that her team has solid chemistry with outings throughout the year. One in particular has become a favorite amongst the team.

“We have a yearly team camping trip that we go on during summer,” the coach said. “We go camping on Lake Eufaula and the team does alot of team bonding and other challenges. They really enjoy this trip each year.”

Two underclassmen on the team, sophomore Gracie Armstrong and freshman Kacie Reynolds, both appreciate different aspects of being on the team.

“I really like that we all work hard and we are all working towards the same goal,” Armstrong said. Reynolds added, “Our team does a great job of lifting each other up whenever each other needs it.”