Badger cheerleaders prepare to compete

BONNERS FERRY — The Badger cheerleaders have diligently been to each game and supported the Badger teams throughout the school year.

There are five cheerleaders on the team, and they are Captain Katie Summerfield (junior), Kaylee Worley (sophomore), Kylie Underhill (sophomore), Hailey Brooks (freshman), and Isabella Sims (freshman).

“All of their skills and teamwork makes this team an amazing group of ladies,” said Coach Andria Hedrick.

Hedrick asked the girls to describe their teammates individually and added top qualities that she has seen in each young lady.

According to one of the team members, Katie Summerfield is an amazing captain. She makes everyone feel like an equal member of this team. She is also an amazing flyer and makes everyone happy. Summerfield has wonderful leadership skills that helps guide the team through games and events. Her communication skills are mature and she is always looking out for the best of the team.

Kaylee Worley works her hardest and is persistent in making something work she and she has a creative mind, said one of her team members. Some of the transitions or dance moves come from Worley’s mind. She is a very talented tumbler and excels at teaching the team new tumbling skills and motivates them to stay positive through tough learning curves.

Kylie Underhill has the biggest smile, her team boasted of her. Even with tough practices, catching flyers and getting bruised, the team can always count on her to smile through it all.

Underhill is a strong aspect to the team dynamic.

“She’s very persistent on learning everything she can,” said a teammate. “She puts her all into practice and never gives up. I love her enthusiasm and motivation she gives to the team.”

Hailey Brooks has grown throughout the season, beginning a little shy, and then pushing through and learning stunts that she didn’t think she could achieve.

“I like to think of Brooks as our grounded girl. She always keeps the team down to earth with her spicy personality,” said Hedrick.

“Hailey has spunk. She never gives up and will do things again even if they scare her,” said a teammate. “She is super sweet and always has a compliment to give even if you are tired and sweaty after a long practice.”

Isabella Sims, or Bella, has been dancing ballet since she was very young. She brings grace and confidence to the team when they need it most.

“Bella is a very determined cheerleader,” said a teammate. “She is always willing to try something new whether it be a new stunt or tumbling. Bella never has a bad mood, no matter the circumstances.”

Hedrick was chosen for the open spot of cheer coach this past year. Hedrick has been coaching the Bonners Ferry High School Cheer Team since September 2018 with the assistance of Nicole Fitch and Kailee (Swift) Cordle.

“Nicole, Kailee, and I were members of the BFHS Cheer Team together, graduating class of 2011,” said Hedrick.

She also coached the Boundary County Middle School Cheer Team from 2012-14 and the Mid Willamette Family YMCA Cheerleading program, from 2014 through the spring of 2018 in Albany, Ore.

Fitch and Cordle have several years of experience working with kids and teens, inside and outside the sport of cheerleading.

“In just the five months I’ve been coaching, the cheerleaders have accomplished some amazing stunts such as extension cradles, arabesque front walkover dismount, Swedish cradle back walkover dismount, and we’re currently working on advancing to basket tosses. Their tumbling skills have advanced more than I had hoped as well,” said Hedrick.

This year, the Badger ladies will be attending the Prairie Classic at Lakeland High School on Feb. 2, and the District III State Qualifier on Feb. 23 at Coeur d’Alene High School. The State Cheerleading Championships are held at the Ford Idaho Center in Nampa on March 16. The team was planning on attending the Lake City Cheer Competition but it was cancelled due to lack of interest from other teams.

“We will be competing in Pom Routine, All Girl Show Cheer, Individual All Girl Stunt Group, and Sideline Cheer,” said Hedrick.

Each competition has guidelines for the teams to follow such as routine length, things that need to be included in the routine, and things that aren’t to be included. With each competition brings a unique challenge for the team to work on.

“These ladies are determined, dedicated and hard working. I come into practice each week and am amazed at how much they have improved from the last practice I was at,” said Assistant Coach Nicole Fitch. “They always are looking at ways to push themselves and to be better cheerleaders. I enjoy coming in to help them achieve their goals and watching them grow more confident in themselves. They are a wonderful group of young ladies and I can’t wait to see how the rest of the season unfolds.”

Cheerleading tryouts for the 2019-2020 team will be held May 28-31, 2019, and they are looking for cheerleaders, stuntmen and a Buddy Badger to join the team.

“Some of the qualifications we’ll be looking for is positive attitude, coordination, confidence, athleticism, sportsmanship, dedication, tumbling skills, dancing skills, and willingness to learn,” said Hedrick. “We will be posting the official try out dates in March/April with the specifics. I would encourage any and all students to try out for the Cheerleading team, it could surprise them.”

For more information, contact Andria Hedrick at andria.hedrick@hotmail.com