By Chris Cox 

Determined and enthusiastic. That’s how Chaparral cheer coach Tammy Brannon says she would describe this year’s squad.

“They love supporting their teams and are very excitable,” Brannon says. “They like to work. They like to learn new stuff and are always thinking about new things we could be doing. They are determined, very focused, and hard working.”

That determination and hard work was evident in the run up to the state Game Day competition. This was Chaparral’s first year competing and while they might not have finished with the results they wanted, Brannon says it was a learning experience for everyone involved. 

“We’ve gone to cheer camp and kind of knew a little bit about what game was, but going to actual competition we found out was a whole different duck,” says Brannon with a laugh. “Having that experience this year, I think it’s just going to equip us to work harder and do what we need to do to be more competitive next year.”

With Chaparral competing at the state competition for the first time, Brannon knew she’d need her captains, Addison Wilcox, Tipton Francis, and Grace Meecham, to push this squad forward.

“We’ve done a lot of performances this year and they love doing that,” says Brannon. “They have choreographed everything themselves and they’re really good at it. They don’t like just being mediocre when they do it but they really like looking good. They encourage the others and take the time to teach them and give each other positive critiques.”

Off the mat, Brannon has a very specific goal for each team.

“They need to keep good grades and stay out of trouble,” says Brannon. “I tell them all the time they are the face of Chaparral. I expect their behaviors and how they act to be a positive face wherever they go. Even when they are not in uniform.”

Those standards have not just been met by this year’s squad, but Brannon says they’ve been exceeded.

“I have a team of character,” she says. “I have a team I’m proud to take anywhere. They are well behaved, respectful, kind, and that makes me more proud than anything else we do.”

The Chaparral cheer squad includes Addison Wilcox (Sr.), Tipton Francis (Jr.), Natalia Gonzales (Jr.), Grace Meecham (Jr.), Alania Bellesine (So.), Chloe Dodgen (So.), Veronica Hostetler (So.), and Cassidy Misak (Fr.).