OH Cheer coaches receive prestigious award

Disclaimer: 42Fifty Sports Editors and varsity cheerleaders Jaylene Tinajero Garcia and Miranda Cook did not take part in the writing or editing of this article.

The Oswego High School Cheer program has developed significantly in recent years. With the competition team placing 6th in state last year, there seems to be nothing OH Cheer can’t do.

Following this achievement at State, coaches Margaret Hill and Emily Gaw were each named Head Coach of the Year for the 2022-2023 season. Both Hill and Gaw, have a history of cheer and in the seven years of their coaching they have used the skills of the athletes more effectively. 

“There was so much untapped talent and a negative connotation of cheer prior to myself and Coach Hill stepping in,” Gaw explained. They both felt a lack of seriousness in regard to the sport when they joined the coaching staff and have changed the culture of cheerleading at OH.

“The cheer program has grown so much due to Coach Hill and Coach Gaw,” said cheerleader Ava Smith. “They have shifted all the athletes’ perspectives on the sport.”

 Both coaches emphasized that without the effort of the athletes, they would not have been able to achieve what they did.

“I think that we have a lot of dedication in our program and our program has come a long way in seven years,” Hill explained. Both coaches were very proud of the development of each athlete’s individual skills.

The creation of a routine for competition season is a strenuous process. They have to practice each part individually and be conditioned enough to do the stunts safely. While this does take time, the end result is impressive and makes everyone proud of their hard work.

“I have had full-body chills and tears in my eyes watching them light up a room,” said Gaw. The passion these coaches have is apparent in the way they talk about the team and the sport. 

Head Coach of the Year is an understatement for what Gaw and Hill have done for the program. Their passion and coaching guides the immense dedication given from the Panther Cheerleaders and it will be exciting to see what more they can accomplish this season.