MANCHESTER — From Friday night lights to the national stage, the Clay County High School cheerleading program delivered a season defined by energy, growth and achievement.
Throughout the year, the Tiger cheer team played a vital role in supporting Clay County athletics, bringing enthusiasm and school spirit to football games, basketball matchups and postseason runs. Beyond the sidelines, the squad also represented the school in multiple competitions, showcasing both talent and discipline.
“What made this season extra meaningful was the steady progress the program has made in laying the foundation,” coach Caitlyn Gregory said. “Any successful program has to have a strong foundation, or it can never be built.”
That foundation showed in results.
Clay County placed third in the Large Game Day division at the KHSAA Competitive Cheerleading State Tournament after finishing second at sectionals. The team also earned a second-place finish at the UCA Bluegrass Qualifier, securing a bid to nationals, where they went on to finish second in the nation in the Large Game Day Division.
On the sidelines, the Tigers were equally successful, capturing both the 49th District and 13th Region boys’ division in-game cheerleading championships.
But for Gregory, the season was about more than trophies.
“Our team focused not only on performance, but also leadership, discipline and loving one another,” she said.
That approach has helped build a program that continues to grow. This year’s roster included two seniors, eight returning athletes and 12 new members—numbers that reflect increasing interest and momentum.
“We have a strong group of returning athletes and a program that continues to grow each year,” Gregory said. “The future of Clay County cheerleading looks bright.”
Gregory credited the continued success of the program to strong community and school support.
“We would like to thank our community, the CCHS administration, athletic director Tommy Nicholson, Superintendent William Sexton and the Clay County Board of Education for allowing our program to thrive,” she said. “Your unwavering support is second to none.”
She also recognized her coaching staff and support system, including Ashton Jarvis, Brooke Mathis Hoskins and her mother, Steph Gregory, along with Gerbal Jarvis for his behind-the-scenes support.
A special emphasis was placed on the team’s two seniors, Harleigh Grubb and Addisyn Jones, who Gregory described as true leaders of the program.
Grubb will attend Alice Lloyd College, where she plans to pursue pre-dentistry, while Jones will continue her cheerleading career at Morehead State University.
“We are so proud of both of them and can’t wait to see what they accomplish,” Gregory said.
With a strong returning core and a season of success to build on, the Tiger cheer program appears poised to continue its upward trajectory.
“If this season is any indication,” Gregory said, “the Tiger cheer team isn’t backing down anytime soon.”
TEAM ACCOMPLISHMENTS THIS YEAR:
-3rd in Large Game Day at KHSAA Competitive Cheerleading State
-2nd in Large Game day at KHSAA Competitive Cheerleading Sectionals
-2nd place at the UCA Bluegrass Qualifier, bid to UCA Nationals
-2nd in the Nation at UCA Nationals in the Large Game Day Division
-49th District in game cheerleading champions
-13th Region Boy’s Division in game cheerleading champions
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