The Lancaster High School cheerleading program has an all new coaching staff. Varsity and head coach Bair Murphy previously coached at Pickerington Central, assistant JV coach Christina Beatty is an LHS alumnus and former high school cheerleader, and assistant freshman coach Kendra Hanschu is a first year coach who is a former Pickerington Central cheerleader. Some of the changes these coaches want to implement include attending stunting camp, raising money, and increasing the interest and participation in the cheerleading program.
Head coach Blair Murphy expressed how she has quickly embraced and has high hopes for the future of the cheerleading program.
“I have been trying to raise our program’s booster account to provide new uniforms for the teams. Another goal is to grow the program and it starts at the foundation. I am having a youth cheer camp and starting a basketball program with biddy to help grow numbers for the future,” said Murphy.
Assistant JV coach Christina Beatty stated that this season has been a whirlwind but she is focused on what the team needs to accomplish.
“ I feel like I am still trying to get grounded. I want our cheerleaders to have the drive to broaden their skill set with stunting, tumbling, and jumps. I would like to see each individual with one strong skill in all three categories,” said Beatty.
All three coaches have high hopes to bring in new coaching strategies and training to the program.
Hanschu said it is important for the new coaches to build basic but strong skills while boosting athlete attitude.
“I believe in positive reinforcement while also strengthening and conditioning to continue to improve skills and advances,” she said.
LHS seniors Jayuana Latham and Aubrey Garber both state having all new coaches has been an adjustment but they are very excited to experience new traditions and new beginnings.
“I like the new coaches. I will say it definitely feels a lot different from not having our old coaches and you can definitely feel it but overall all the coaches are very good coaches and I’m very excited that they are a part of our cheer program,” said Latham.
“I personally have had a very positive experience with our new coaches, I feel like they’re only looking out for our best interest and want to make us look great as a team,” said Garber.
LHS senior Addison England expressed that adjusting to changes can be tough but can be positive.
“The most challenging goal for this cheer season is the adjustment to all new things. With new coaches comes new aspects, which can be challenging. Change can be hard, but I truly
am just thankful for all of the opportunities I have been given,” said England.
The stunting aspect for the cheerleaders is still quite new to them, facing many challenges from figuring out new stunt groups and adding new coaches into the picture has been very difficult said Garber.
“I would say the most challenging thing for me this season is stunting with a new group, we’ve had our ups and downs but skills are coming together and I’m very happy with where we are now,” said Garber.
