The Sulphur High School cheer squad is being helmed by two coaches this year, LeAnn Loftis and Shannon Muck. Combined, the coaches have over a decade of cheer experience they’re hoping to bring to the Bulldog cheer team.

Muck said the team will also be buoyed by the help of some student leadership. “We have a very strong group of leaders in our seniors,” Muck said. “Lots of returning cheerleaders with seven new freshman, one junior and one sophomore. We’re set to compete in September at regionals, and then we will also compete at game day in November. We attended UCA camp at OU in June.”

As coaches, Loftis and Muck have realized that sometimes teenagers are not motivated to bring their best to practice and game day. Muck said that’s something they want to head off at the pass. “I feel that coach Loftis and I work really hard to try to motivate our team to want to be there and give 100 percent while we are working,” she said. “We try to instill in our team that they are role models for all Bulldogs young and old. Eyes are constantly watching them and they need to live up to that high expectation by being the positive example they are called to be on the field, court, classroom and in the community. They are cheerleaders, with an emphasis on leaders, and that’s what they should strive to be daily – a good leader.”

In the wake of a tumultuous year regarding holding practices and competing at meets, Muck said her squad is ready to go this year. “I feel they are just hoping that we are able to experience all of our competitions and other activities,” she said. “But there is a little fear also. As competition is approaching and covid numbers are rising, we are getting a little anxious. We’re just hoping and praying that we all stay healthy.”

At the end of the day, Muck said, she and Loftis try to take some time and reflect on the kind of leader they’ve been, and the kind of leader they want to be. “We evaluate ourselves after every practice to see how we can improve ourselves, and our team,” she said.