Photo credit: Ann Stanmore-ThurstonKatie Baity gets lifted into the air by her bases, Christa Walls, Robyn Woodall and Alexis Prebula.[/caption]
There has always been a debate between athletes on whether cheerleading is actually a sport, but, for junior Katelyn Baity, there is no debate. Cheerleading is life. When asked why cheerleading is her favorite sport, Baity replied, “Cheer helps me stay in shape and it's a lot of fun to be with the team. Everyone is crazy, but we can get stuff done.” This year will be Baity’s third year of OHS varsity cheerleading.
Baity was a dedicated cheerleader even before high school began. She participated in cheer when she attended CW Stanford Middle School, in seventh and eighth grades. Baity has also continued her cheerleading career by participating in OHS cheerleading since her freshman year. Baity made the junior varsity team when she was in ninth grade, but this was not enough for her. She practiced her routines and kicked up her workout schedule to make sure that her form was perfect, and she made the varsity team in sophomore year of high school.
When asked about how she deals with cheering through a bad game, Baity replied, “Even when we're losing a game, we have to keep up the spirit. It is hard trying to stay positive when we get behind, but you kind of have to think optimistic.” Baity also shared that she likes to get pumped up to keep her spirit alive before games. “I listen to a random shuffle of music while I get ready for a game. I usually get ready with Christa Walls, and we kind of help each other get warmed up and pumped up.”
Sports figures normally get recognition for being role models, even when they don’t want to be, but Baity has taken this as a part of the sport. When asked why she thinks she is a good role model for other students, Baity replied, “I'm a good role model for other students because I'm proud of who I am without having to do things I'll regret later in life.” She shared who her role model was when she was growing up: “I had a coach in the past that really pushed me to succeed when I was in gymnastics. Because of what she taught me, I'm able to work through pain in any sport or activity I decide to do and I can keep up my tumbling!”
Even though sports is Baity’s life, she participates in many other things as well. Baity is a dedicated leader at Ebenezer Baptist Church, and she participates in dance to keep up her fitness. “I perform at Dance Expressions and it's so much fun. I used to dance and do gymnastics from when I was four all the way up to seventh grade. It's nice being back onto a team like that! I'm a student leader at the church, so youth group is always fun! I get to talk to the younger girls and lead a small group on Sunday.”
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