The Mannford Cheer program is thriving under the leadership of head coach Megan Porter, who has been a dedicated cheer coach for 13 years. This season marks her sixth year guiding the middle school squad and her third leading the high school team. She serves as head coach for both groups, supported by assistant coach Stephanie Looney at both levels, and new middle school assistant Michelle Tidwell, who joins the program this year.
Coach Porter says one of the greatest strengths of this year’s squads is their resilience and determination. “This group is putting in the work to up the difficulty in their personal skill level,” she explained. That drive has been evident in practice as athletes continue to raise the bar, taking on new challenges and pushing their performances to the next level. The teams also benefit from two strong male cheerleaders, as well as several athletes with a background in dance, which adds extra versatility and flair to their routines.
The results speak for themselves. The Mannford cheer squads have already built an impressive resume, highlighted by multiple superior ribbons, a second-place finish in Dance, and a first-place trophy in Crowd Leading. These accomplishments showcase the program’s ability to shine in both technical skill and crowd engagement.
Beyond competition, the cheer teams take pride in building camaraderie and creating memorable experiences together. This past summer, they attended an overnight camp at the Renaissance Hotel in Tulsa, where they sharpened skills and bonded as teammates. They also carried on their tradition of a summer-ending pool party at the Cushing Water Park. In addition, the teams hosted car washes and a mini cheer camp for younger Mannford cheerleaders, finishing the camp with a fun day at the local splash pad. Looking ahead, they will continue that tradition with their fall mini cheer camp in October, where the younger participants will have the chance to perform alongside the varsity cheer squad at halftime of a Mannford football game.
With strong leadership, growing talent, and a focus on teamwork, the Mannford Cheer program is set for another exciting and successful year.
