Three local cheerleading squads have earned their way to the OSSAA State Cheerleading Competition at Union High School this Saturday.

The high school cheerleading squads from Preston, Morris and Henryetta all competed at the Regional Cheerleading Competition in Stroud this past weekend in the small co-ed division.

Maggie Guynes, Head Coach for the Morris Eagles Cheerleading squad said this will be the squads first time back to State since 2017. “This year the squad faced several challenges; new coaches made for a late start, then COVID-19 hit the squad pretty hard.” Guynes said the squad had just a few days to practice for regionals once everyone had recovered from being sick. “Our school and administration got behind our squad and supported us,” Guynes said. “It helped push us to do our best.” Guynes said for Morris’ squad, many of the cheerleaders compete in multiple activities at Morris “so they are truly leaders of our school”. When looking back at their regional appearance, Guynes said the squad ‘gave 200%’. “They are completely coachable and have the best attitudes.” Coach Lisa Merrill said it has been an honor coaching the squad as they look forward to the State competition.

At the Regional Competition in Stroud, Henryetta and Preston tied for Third Place overall with a score of 242.8 and Morris came in Fifth Place with a judges score of 236.4, earning each team a bid for the State Competition at Tulsa’s Union High School this Saturday, Sept. 25.

The State Championship Cheer Competition will begin at 10 a.m. at the Union High School UMAC building located at 6636 S Mingo in Tulsa.

Each squad is competing in the Small Co-Ed division which is scheduled to begin at 4:20 p.m. with Henryetta hitting the mat first followed by Morris at 4:25 p.m. and Preston at 4:30 p.m.