By Chris Cox

Perry cheer coach Jeanna Browne is in her fourth year at Perry, and she says this Maroon cheer squad is a bit different than year’s past.

“We actually have a smaller squad of just 13,” Browne says. “Also, one of our members is a softball player so we’ll only be competing with 12, which is small for us. We do have a male cheerleader this year for the first time in school history. So, we will be competing co-ed for the first time.” 

After a third-place finish at state last year, Browne says her Perry cheer squad is trying to keep temper their expectations this year. 

“I don’t think they know what to expect this year,” Browne says. “For one, we’ve never been in the co-ed division before. Two, we lost five seniors from last year. We’re small, and a bit inexperienced, but they’re working hard. So, we’ll go see what we can do.”

While the squad is young and a bit inexperienced, Browne says she’s proud of the way the younger cheerleaders have picked things up. 

“They seem to be getting more comfortable with things,” Browne says. “Our freshmen are really new to cheer. So, it’s a whole new ballgame for them but they’re working hard, and I feel like they’re stepping up and catching on. My sophomores are really strong and are helping us out. Our male cheerleader, JoJo, brings a lot of energy and personality. Without him, we probably wouldn’t have competed because we wouldn’t have had the strength in certain areas to do the stunts we need to do. He’s really helped us out a lot this year.”

Overall, Browne says her group may small, but they always give 100 percent.

“They’re tiny but mighty,” Browne says with a laugh. “They work hard and give it all they have. I’m proud of them and they’re hard work. They are committed and come in and give me all they got.”

The Perry Cheer squad includes Hannah Browne (Sr), Kinsey Proctor (Jr), Emily Frable (Jr), Aubrey McVicker (Jr), Mackenzie Gilbreath (Jr), Meagan Rames (Soph), Elli Jones (Soph), Peyton Wines (Soph), Paisley Wines (Soph), JoJo Warren (Soph), Cali Spillman (Fr), Bella Porter (Fr), Jaylynn Malcom (Fr).