By Derrick Smith

For the second year in a row, the Drumright High school cheer team has been voted the Corridor Area Most Outstanding Cheer team. While the team is honored with this award, head coach Lori Candler is thankful for the support. 

“We are so thankful for such a great community supporting us,” she said. “We love to cheer for our teams and help to share our school spirit.”

Chandler is in her third year as the leader of the cheer team. The positive attitude that her team has is what sets them apart for her.

“I would have to say my girl’s biggest strengths are how upbeat they always are,” she said. “No matter if the team wins or loses, they never lose their spirit and walk away with a smile on their faces.”

As a team, Candler’s crew enjoys being together and strengthening their bond. One of the group’s favorite things to do together is to make an impact on the next generation of cheerleaders. 

“One of our favorite times of the year is getting to have a cheer camp with the elementary kids,” the coach said. “Our team teaches them a few cheers and a simple dance and then the kids get to perform it at halftime of the football game on Friday night. I’m not sure who enjoys it more, the younger girls or my team.”

While the girls enjoy spending time together, the past year has caused some difficulties with that but she says that her team always finds a way to have fun.

“With Covid, our trips and outings have been put on hold for the most part,” Candler said. “But any time that we are together is always a fun time. I honestly have a great group of girls.”

Candler’s squad has put in a lot of work over the summer to prepare for this year. And she says that anyone at Drumright games will be pleased with what they see on and off the field. 

“These girls have worked all summer to be prepared for this coming football season,” she said. “If you are free on Friday nights and want to be entertained, come out and watch our football boys and cheer along with these girls.”