Oxford’s varsity cheer squad continued to show it can be competitive in the Oakland Activities Association with a second place finish in the second OAA meet.
Despite losing one member of the squad to an injury right before competition began, Oxford was able to increase their total score from the previous meet by nearly six points, up from 673.6982 to 679.3434. North Farmington won the event with 689.5420 points.
Oxford was battling it out with Clarkston and West Bloomfield for second after the first two rounds. The Wildcats had a slight lead over West Bloomfield, 389.9434-389.3152 and Clarkston was nipping at their heels with 388.8310 points.
Co-coach Shari Russell credited the slow start to their effort this week during practice to improve their vocals and overall excitement. ‘I think our overall excitement threw our timing off, which contributed to our lower scores,? Russell said.
Oxford got going in the third round of the competition, turning in the highest score of the round, 289.4000, to secure second. ‘We are at a point in the season where the girls really know the cheers and are comfortable performing, so it is time to knit pick, drill motion placement and timing,? Russell said.
‘We’re very happy with our performance, but we keep falling short of the win? she added. ‘We know it’s not enough if we want to win. We’re planning to work harder.?
Up next for the girls is the Bobcat Cheer Classic on Saturday, Jan. 29 at Grand Blanc High School.