The Buford Middle School competition cheerleading squad defends their state championship title on Saturday, October 28 at the Gas South Arena. The squad had to compete against five other Class 7A feeder middle schools in Class A, Small Division at the state championships.
Long before the state championships, this year’s squad had to be selected and that selection process took place at the end of the previous school year. Forty-five girls tried out for the BMS competition squad, and 23 girls made the team. In June, the girls began with team bonding exercises, as well as learning basic skills such as stunting, tumbling and jumping. From June through October, the squad met two to three times a week to perfect the competition routine that was introduced to them during their July practices.
The squad competed in four competitions leading up to the state championships. They placed first in three of their four competitions which were the Mill Creek Invitational, the Buford Invitational and the Seckinger Invitational. The only competition where they didn’t place first was at the South Forsyth Invitational, where they came in third.
“I always admire these girls for their hard work and dedication to this team and this program,” said BMS Competition Cheerleading Head Coach Caroline Parker. “They really pour so much into this team and their hard work shows each week. The team has totally bought into this team’s vision and goal and remained positive and focused when times got hard.”
A majority of the girls on the squad compete for club cheerleading teams, cheer on a GFL squad or are on the BMS sideline cheerleading team.
The BMS competition cheerleading program restarted in 2018 after taking a brief hiatus. The program has won three state championships and had one runner-up finish as well.
“I feel very fortunate to coach in Buford; the kids are incredible and we have a ton of support from the parents, school, and school board,” said Parker. “It allows us the opportunity to be successful!”
Parker took over the head coaching position in 2019 when she began teaching at Buford High School. She previously coached and taught at Dacula High School from 2014-2018. She is married to Wes Parker, BHS boys basketball head coach and the two have five-month-old twin girls, Amelia and Lainey.
“We have a thriving competition cheerleading program at the high school level with great coaching,” said Parker. “With the talent, passion and dedication these athletes show, I know that there is a bright future ahead for our BHS and BMS competition cheerleading programs.”
The 2023 Buford Middle School competition cheerleading squad members are Mally Adamson, Nyelle Augustave, Hadley Bickers, Taiden Costin, Elyssa Crowder, Hannah Doughtery, Londyn Fontenot, Emma Fountain, Grace Gammon, Addy Hastings, Haven Hill, Macie Jarrard, Karleigh LeClair, Evie Lucia, Sadie Mawdesley, Mya Murphree, Annie Norris, Sarah Patterson, Raegan Sewell, Kinsey Thompson, Brooke Truex, Cyleigh Ulmer and Zoey Wiist.
The 2023 BMS competition cheerleading program coaching staff are Caroline Parker, head coach and assistant coaches, Chrissy Woodson and Camille Cowherd.
