Boyd
EVART – Abbigail Boyd is in various different sports at Evart, but admits to having a special relationship with competitive cheer.
It’s her junior season and this marks the third on the varsity level.
“We went to regionals our freshman year and last year we were two places from going to regionals,” Boyd said. “But they’ve been going great. We’re working together as a team.”
Boyd is usually a tumbler for the Wildcats.
The key to having success is “strengthening your legs and your arms,” Boyd said.
Wearing facemasks have been a challenge, Boyd said in preseason comments.
“The masks are very stressful,” she said. “They cause a lot of people anxiety. We’ve had trouble with putting our words out. It’s a day-to-day thing.”
As the season finally started in February, the MHSAA put the following statement out on masks and cheerleaders:
“Teams may compete without testing or face coverings, but must wear masks at all times outside of active competition or stunting/tumbling practice.”
Winter practices were not in session during Nov. 16 and Jan. 16.
“It was very frustrating,” Boyd said. “It was like they told us we could have practice then they told us we couldn’t. A lot of people got depressed in those areas. Our team got really down.”
But on Feb. 8, the teams got the green light to start contact practices.
During the lockdown, “we worked on things at home,” Boyd said.
This year’s team “is pretty good right now,” she said during the preseason. “We’re doing pretty good for what we have.”
Boyd said the team’s strongest round is No. 1 which features motions and choreography. Round 2 features team tumbling. Round three features mounts and tumbling.
“Our team is very great,” Boyd said. “It’s coming out well. If we keep going the way we are, we’ll make it to state.”
Boyd also is in track and field, and throws the shot and discus. There was no track team this season, but Boyd is looking forward to this spring. Practice season started on March 22.
