The Bixby cheer program was less than one point away from being crowned state champions this year in large co-ed cheer. Senior Sydney Dale said the team put in hours of hard work to make this a great season. 

“My teammates will always have a special place in my heart. There’s not just one reason why I love them. They all have different personalities that set them apart from one another,” Dale said. “They are extremely good at being there for each other and I admire that. If I’m having a hard day, I can always count on them. They take the time to get to know one another, to know what it means to really be a teammate. Cheer is hard, but we all know how to make it fun. We are on the same team working for the same goals and that is what a teammate is.” 

Dale has been part of the Bixby cheer program for seven years and over that period she has made some great memories. 

“My favorite memory is that feeling of hitting our first zero. You’re tired and your legs are like Jell-O, but seeing everyone cheer will always be such an amazing feeling,” said Dale. 

The work ethic in the athletic programs and the support from the school are just two reasons Dale said she loves being part of the Spartan family. 

“We have amazing programs designed include everyone. Here at Bixby, we encourage student-athletes. It’s a great way to represent our community, gain close friendships, and find positive mentors that will teach you import life lessons that you will carry throughout your life,” Dale said. “I also like to point out how well Bixby teaches the three “P’s.” Persistence, patience, and practice. Throughout your years as an athlete, you’ll go through many trials. You’ll learn what is required of you as a teammate, even when you’d rather spend time with your friends. You’ll learn that the harder you work, the better you perform. And by never giving up, you are more likely to achieve your goals.”

The senior said she will miss being on the sideline for the Bixby football games once she graduates and leaves for college at either Arkansas or the University of Oklahoma. 

“There are so many reasons that go into why I love Friday nights here at Bixby. I love getting to see our community gather to watch our team. We have such amazing, supportive Bixby family. I love watching everyone interact with those sitting around them on the bleachers, the little boys admiring the bigger football boys, dreaming about when they get to be on that field when they are older,” said Dale. “But most of all, I love getting to do my favorite thing: cheering on the sidelines with my best friends. I’ll miss being able to call chants and hearing the student section catch on and do it with us, and when the little youth cheerleaders come over to say hi, growing my relationship with my fellow cheerleaders, and tumbling in the end zone when we get a touchdown. These are all the little things that add up to such an amazing night that I get to look forward to every week.”

Dale said she wants the underclassmen to remember the importance of representing Bixby High School and the cheer team.

“Before my class leaves this school, we have one last chance to make a mark on every grade below us. I want us to be remembered as a role model who was recognized as hard working, positive, and respectful to everyone. If we don’t make goals for ourselves and our teammates and don’t learn from past mistakes, then we won’t leave the legacy we want to leave. I want people to say “Well Dale said this…” “Haylie said that…” “Bales mentioned that…” “Jaxson and Levi used to do this…”