Second is twice as nice

Admittedly, it wasn’t Cashion’s best.

It was still almost better than the rest.

Cashion’s cheerleading team had its best-ever showing at the highest level when it finished as co-state runner-up at last weekend’s Class 2A competition in Tulsa.

The team’s 226.8 points tied it for second place with Haworth. Both were just behind Crescent, which won the state championship with a 244.6.

“Seven years of hard work has brought us to this moment,” said Amber Hobgood, who coaches the team along Casi Williams.

The duo began Cashion on its competitive cheer trek when they were hired.

“It’s hard to believe we’ve only been competing for seven years,” Hobgood said. “Casi and I are so proud of the girls and the success of this program over that time.”

Cashion took third behind Crescent and Haworth at the regional the weekend before.

Despite a number of injuries leading up to competition, the squad pulled off an error-free routine.

The days leading up to state were beyond hectic for a number of team members.

Seven cheerleaders also play softball and that team spent much of the week playing in - and winning - a Class 2A district tournament.

Three squad members were also a part of Cashion’s homecoming court, which culminated with a coronation at Friday night’s football game.

In Tulsa, the team had three dropped stunts.

“We didn’t hit our best routine, but we’re so proud of these girls and all their injuries and everything else they had to overcome,” Hobgood said.

Both Hobgood and Williams have daughters on the teams in Abby Hobgood and Reese Williams, respectively.

“Our future is bright and we have a pretty young team,” Hobgood said.

“And it is pretty sweet to have our own kids on the squad.”

But before looking too far into the future, this year’s team gets to add to the school’s trophy collection.

“Our girls worked hard for this and we are so proud of them,” said Hobgood.