The Kilgore High School Cheerleaders got a new Head Cheer Coach this year along with an assistant Cheer Coach for the new cheer season. Head Coach is Dominic Minor and the assistant coach is Saidie Hamblen. Having new coaches means there will be a lot of ‘new’ this year for the cheer team. They have had the same coach for 5 years, and change can be different.
“Even though I know everyone was kind of cautious and scared to have me as a coach – I really felt welcomed. That meant a lot,” Minor said. “I came to Kilgore for the smaller community environment. I heard and researched a lot of things about the cheer program, school, and academics. So with all of the things I’ve researched, I wanted my daughter Addison to be a part of something great here at Kilgore.”
The cheer team placed 4th in the UIL state championships in 2021 and 2022 and placed 15th in 2023 in their past seasons with their former coach Nikki Offerding.
“I am hoping to secure a top 3 spot at UIL State Championships this season,” Minor said. “We have the talent, and I just hope the judges see it.”
Having a coach can make or break the love for the sport a player or athlete is participating in. If an athlete has a negative coach, her attitude toward her sport will be negative. If a coach is positive, the athletes are more likely to be.
“I hope to bring a stronger sense of unity to the team,” Hamblen said. “We spend a lot of time together, so treating each other like family is key to a successful and peaceful season.”
This is a plan for success.
“I want to bring more of a family environment to the team – not saying we have to be best friends, but we do spend a lot of time together so making it a fun place to be makes it fun,” Minor said.
Team building has been a focus these first weeks of school.
“I am looking forward to the relationships that have started to form,” Hamblen said. “We are all still getting to know each other, but I love each girl so much already that it can only get better from here.”
The cheer team has already achieved an accomplishment during their time of having a new coach.
“My favorite memory so far is getting TOP Banana at camp,” Minor said. “Top Banana is the highest spirit award a cheer team can receive and UCA cheer camp.”
Coaches love what they do for the well-being of their team. And, Minor loves cheer.
“It’s something that brings me peace and allows me to escape reality,” Minor said. “I also fought very hard with people that cheer IS a sport. So to finally see it being recognized as a sport makes me happy.”
Having an assistant coach is a blessing to a team. Especially one that knows the traditions of the team and is an alumnus.
“I cheered at Kilgore High School and East Texas Baptist University,” Hamblen said.
Minor cheered at Daingerfield High School and then East Texas Baptist University as well.
“There really is nothing better than being a part of the Bulldog family and the Bulldog family happily opens its arms to the new head coach,” Minor said. “I love being a KILGORE BULLDOG! The transition hasn’t been the easiest, but overall I am happy to be here, and I wouldn’t change a thing about my decision to take on Head Coach. I know GOD has brought me here for a reason, and I’m ready to accept all of the life challenges that may be ahead. #goDOGS.”
The 2023-24 Cheerleaders
9th
Emersyn Beets
Lauryn Hok
Kimora Thomas
Vivi Wright
10th
Zoey Johnson
Mylie Button
Sole Hunt
Carsyn Mckinney
Brittany Yzaguirre
Addison Vanzandt
Sarah Waddy (Mascot)
11th
Laney Edmonson
Emma Propes
Mackinly Haynes
Carter Barton
Ellie McKinney
Kenslea Fickett
Shelby Shelton (manager)
12th
Kenzington Eubanks
Bryonne Brooks
Gabbi Johns
Nawny Sifford
Makayla Smith
Bailee Burns
Kaleigh Newlen
Brooklyn Wilkerson
Auniyeuh Matlock
