By Matt Browning

The Wichita South cheer squad was voted as the Wichita Large School Cheer Squad of the Year. The Titans received over 16,000 votes, which was 39 percent of the overall vote. Senior cheerleader Stephanie Cooper, who is going to cheer at Coffeyville Community College next year, said this year was much different and not just because of the pandemic.

“We have gone through a huge transformation as a squad,” Cooper said. “Most of our team is brand new to cheer and the amount of challenges we have had to overcome this year makes this recognition really special. We were one of the few local area squads to stunt all season and survive the whole year without having to quarantine, so that in itself is a big achievement. Everything about this past year has been abnormal but being able to spend time with this hardworking, persistent group has been amazing. We have been working so hard to promote our school and show them how great South High really is.”

Cooper also said the Titans’ cheer squad tries to incorporate various ways of supporting various teams and not make just about the games.

“We try to show our support outside of actual games by making signs, celebrating the seniors with Powerades, we highlight them in pictures on social media, anything we can do to make them feel supported,” Cooper said. “Most of our cheer squad is on another athletic team or two so we really work to build those connections and have our athletic teams feel like a big family.”