It’s busy season for the Mustang High School pom squad.
In fact, it’s always busy season for the Broncos.
This week, however, is even more special as the team prepares for the 2022 OSSAA Game Day State competition on Friday at Moore High School. Mustang qualified after a strong showing last week at the Choctaw regional.
The Broncos will compete for the first time at Game Day State, which is now in its second year. They finished 11th at regionals, impressing first-year coach Kelly Noble, who every day sees the work her squad puts in behind the scenes.
“These girls are dedicated to not only putting on a good show, but also to performing well for themselves and their school,” Noble said.
The squad starts practice at 6 a.m. three days a week, working on competition and game day routines. Noble, who is a morning person, says the girls may not always match her cheery mood, but they always match her expectations.
“It’s very physically demanding when it comes to the workouts and practice. They spend a lot of time working on formations and choreography. It takes a lot of effort, but they come in and are ready to work.”
The Broncos also spend countless hours fundraising and supporting the school’s other athletes, teams, and programs. There is the firework stand during the summer, sidelines at football and basketball games, wrestling matches and tournaments – plus more.
The squad even organized a sendoff for the MHS band as it headed off for its national competition following a parent showing.
“We try to encourage all of the different athletic departments and groups,” Noble said. “The girls really enjoy encouraging everyone across campus and participating in different events. They are constantly busy… They are out supporting local businesses; they do volunteer work for charities.
“It’s a lot, but that’s what it’s about for this group. They are kind and unique with a little bit of sass.”
Mustang’s varsity pom squad poses for a photo during the football team’s game at Edmond Santa Fe earlier this season. (Photo by Ron Lane / Lane Images)
Nine seniors, six juniors, and four sophomores round out Mustang’s varsity squad.
Chelsea Welle (Sr.) is the captain along with co-captain Meadow Barrett (Sr.). Madisson Cameron, Kenzie Duggan, Hallie Luton, Aspen McGinnis, Jayden Oltmann, Peyton Scott, and Lainee Williams round out the team’s senior class.
Grace Gary, Libby Gilmore, Adrianna Kruszwecki, Ava Mitro, Kinley Ogdahl, and Skylar Wright make up the team’s junior class while Leia Eads, Emma Gregg, Isbel Herrera, and Lauren Smith are the sophomore members.
Noble, who is in her 11th year at the high school, leans on this year’s senior class and says they have been crucial in many aspects.
“They have really taken on that leadership role and have helped set the expectations for the squad,” she said. “They’re great with communication and being prepared for all the different events. It’s a lot to juggle on a weekly basis, but they’ve continued to do a great job.”
The Broncos are working on different routines for Game Day, combining with the junior varsity team for a certain number. The group will also be competing in the Dance Team Union national competition in Orlando, Fla. in February.
“We’re just trying to switch some things up,” Noble said. “It’s the first time for us entering their national competition.”
As for Friday, Mustang is hoping to put on a show and improve upon the team’s regional score.
“The girls have put in the work and have loved seeing the continued support at our events,” Noble said.
“We’re going to give it our best shot and try to put on a show for the audience.”
The Broncos will be the first team to perform on Friday morning. They kick things off at 2:05 p.m. The top-six teams will advance to be judged in the final round.
