Douglasville, GA – As the fall sports season kicks into full gear the cheerleaders from Warner Robins High School are ready to compete.  Head Coach Bethany Belknap was kind enough to talk to us about herself and her program during a recent Q & A…

Q:  How many years have you been the cheer coach at Warner Robins High School?
A:  “I have been the head coach for three years.  My first year at Warner Robins I coached the varsity football cheerleading team.  The following year we combined the competition and football cheer squads to make one squad and now I am head coach of both.”
Q:  What is your favorite memory during your three years of coaching?
A:  “My favorite memories always revolve around the accomplishments of my team. Our team is so inspiring and they give everything they have.”
“I remember making a lot of changes to our original routine last year in order to increase our difficulty scores during the next few competitions. The girls were very nervous about the changes, but they worked hard and accomplished so much! The changes really pushed them to the next level and it felt great to see them challenge themselves and see that the things we want are not that far out of reach if we believe in ourselves and try our best at everything we attempt.”
“Last year was particularly hard for us because we lost a lot of talented team members to a new high school that opened across town. The girls were already feeling defeated at the start of the season. However, we pushed through and developed into a team that is worthy of respect and accolades.”
Q:  When and why did you decide to become a coach?
A:  “Once I became a teacher I knew right away I wanted to coach cheerleading. When I heard a coaching position was open at my school I jumped at the opportunity to fill the vacancy. I cheered during high school and college so cheerleading will always be a part of who I am. It’s wonderful to still be involved with something I loved so much through my adolescent years!”
Q:  What coach do you consider your mentor; who did you learn from, and who do you admire as a coach?
A:  “There were a lot of successful coaches at my school before I took the position of head cheerleading coach. I view all of them as mentors because the program would not be the same without the impact they made during their years of service. There are several people that I can email or call, at the drop of a hat, if I need advice or opinions concerning anything. I am very lucky to follow some great leaders that paved a way for future success.”
Q:  Did you play the sport you coach; if so, what is your favorite memory from your time as a player?
A:  “Yes, I cheered in middle school, high school, and college. My favorite memory was in college when I was able to be on a team with my sister and two cousins. We are really close and it was wonderful to experience something we loved so much together as a family.”
Q:  What expectations do you have for your squad for the 2011-2012 year?
A:  “We are really challenging our team to push themselves to another level of performance. Our stunts are more complex and our routine is on an entirely different level than last year’s. I am expecting a few first place wins throughout the season in addition to placing at region and continuing on to state.”
Q:  What will be the key factors to making your squad successful at competitions?
A:  “Persistence and determination will make all the difference throughout our season. Our girls need to continue to have faith in their abilities and keep striving for excellence. The rest will fall into place.”
Q:  Are there any cheerleaders that have surprised you by stepping up beyond your expectations for this year?
A:  “Yes! I have a cheerleader that is a base, flyer and back spot throughout the routine. That is amazing talent. She volunteered to take on each spot and executes all of her parts adequately. To me, that is a true team player. She is most comfortable as a base but she stepped up to the other jobs because her team needed her. That is a selfless person who is devoted to the success of the team.”
Q:  What big competitions does your team have during the season?
A:  “My girls always get excited about the local competitions that take place in our city with rival schools. They take these competitions just as seriously as region and state. They want to be respected and appreciated by their local peers so they work very hard to look great at these events.”

Q:  If we were to ask your cheerleaders what quote you frequently use for motivation, what would they say?
 
A:  “Make it work, is a quote we use quite frequently to motivate one another. We tell each other to make the stunt stick no matter what and do whatever it takes to “make it work!” Whenever we are working on perfecting a stunt or tumbling pass you will hear the girls yelling out words of encouragement to their peers. Motivation is important and everyone motivates each other to show their support.”