The Opp Bobcats’ cheerleading squad was presented with their 2014-15 state champion rings Thursday morning in the media center at Opp High School.

 

It was the third state championship for the squad in the past four seasons.

 

“These girls are motivated, hardworking and determined,” cheer sponsor Lori Harrison said. “They understand what it takes to win. They just have that winning mentality.”

 

Five years ago, Harrison said that they didn’t even know what that meant, but the hours of hard work and dedication have paid off tremendously for them.

 

“We practice four days a week pretty much year round,” Harrison said. “We have had some hard times, and have had to overcome several injuries this season. We have prayed together, and cried together. These girls are like my own children to me. I have 18 additional children now.”

 

Harrison said that the things the girls have learned during their time together are things that they can use for the rest of their life.

 

“They are an incredible group of girls,” Harrison said. “There is no limit to what they can achieve. Not just in cheering, but in life as well.”