To be eligible to be named to the top 40, Faith had to first be nominated, have a 3.0 GPA or higher, be a senior, and on her school’s cheer team. Faith submitted an essay, provided documentation of her school activities and community service, and coaches completed a recommendation form. Faith learned on Saturday, October 2 that she was a finalist!

Faith will attend an interview, perform a cheer, a dance, two jumps, and demonstrate her tumbling skills on October 9. Based on that criteria, the All-State Cheer Team will be selected from the top 16 in the state. The team of 16 will be presented at the State competition in Murfreesboro in November where 1 of the 16 girls will be named the Cheerleader of the Year! This comes with several perks, including a scholarship. Also, if selected for the team, Faith will get to cheer at the East/West football game.

GCA has only had one cheerleader in school history make this team, so we're hoping for a second this year!

The teams represented at camp this year included those from Central High School, Powell, Karns, South Doyle, Halls, and GCA.  

Highlights of this year's camp for the GCA Varsity Cheerleaders included:

*GCA cheerleaders, Faith Kitts and Mackenzie Whittaker, were recognized as two of the four best jumpers at camp.  Mackenzie Whittaker also won Camp Best Jumper!

*GCA Varsity Cheerleaders received a blue superior ribbon in the areas of sideline evaluation, cheer evaluation, and camp dance evaluation.

*The team was awarded with "Spirit Sticks" both days they were given out.

*Five GCA cheerleaders, including Faith Kitts, Alyssa Johnson, Ella Long, Katie Martin, and Addie Ancelet, made the prestigious UCA All-American team.

*Faith Kitts received a "Staff App", which is a prestigious invitation to tryout for UCA Staff next spring.

On the final day of competition, the GCA Varsity Cheerleaders won first place in all final categories, including sideline, cheer, and overall game day!  They also won the final "banana", which is awarded to the team who displays the most school spirit and positive attitudes.

The Rams defeated York Institute 35-0 on Friday night to move to 4-0 on the season.  The Rams had 4 passing touchdowns (Cooper Riggs to Michael Human, Pierce Browning, Grant Warwick and Jared Long) and one rushing touchdown by Caleb Curcio.  Art Knight connected on all 5 extra points.

Cooper Riggs was 18-31 for 257 yards.  Pierce Browning led the receivers with 8 catches for 134 yards.  Caleb Curcio led rushing with 12 rushes for 69 yards.  

The defense was led by Johnny Eller who recorded 17 tackles and caused one fumble.

Friday was a special night on campus as all our fall senior athletes were honored at the game.  We are so thankful for the seasons these athletes and their teams have had so far!

Jaws will work all year to earn a bid to compete at the Worlds competition at Disney World in April 2021. Ella Long also secured a spot on a Level 5 Knoxville team, The Ice Queens from Twisters, this season. Her team will compete to earn a bid to Summit, a competition held at Disney World in May 2021. Level 6 is the highest level you can obtain while still in high school, while Level 7 is collegiate.

Keep an eye out for these hard working athletes on the sidelines of our football and basketball games in the upcoming school year. Way to go, GCA Varsity Cheerleaders!

Ella Long 

 Chloe Cunningham, Sawyer Lay, Micah Watson, and Mackenzie Whittaker

The last regular season football game was a special one before it even started.  Our senior cheerleaders and football players were recognized prior to the game.  We are thankful for their contributions to their respective teams.

Senior cheerleaders recognized were Carli Dockery and Raegan Farley.

Senior football players recognized were Blake Carringer, Lucas Ellis, Jalen Geer, Ethan Hill, August Jordan, Reese Kirkwood, John Lott, Chase McCullar and Ben Stansbury.

Congratulations to this group of seniors!