Wheeling Park Patriots Head coach: Shawna Shepherd

The Wheeling Park cheering squad has been untouchable in the last four years. The Patriots have won four OVAC championships in a row, while claiming three W.Va.  Class AAA state titles as well. Creating the winning atmosphere at Wheeling Park has been 12-year head coach Shawna ...

Indian Creek Redskins Head coach: Gina Giuliani

The last few years have been challenging for Indian Creek cheerleading at the OVAC competition. They have participated at both the 4-A and 5-A levels, which makes it difficult to adjust to certain opponents. “We have been up and down,” Redskins coach Gina Giuliani said. “We fluctuate ...

Bishop Donahue Bishops Head coach: Dana Mele

A season ago, Bishop Donahue captured its fifth consecutive OVAC cheering championship and finished as the Single A state runner-up in 2015. As hard as it would be for the Bishops to top those accolades, they brought home a Single A state championship to McMechen in 2016 and are looking for ...

Paden City Wildcats Head coach: Hannah Shreve

In the case of the Paden City cheering squad entering the OVAC Cheering Championships, it may not be the size of the team, but the heart of the team. The Wildcats only have eight girls, with more siblings on the team than seniors. The only senior on this year’s team is Kallie Arnett, ...

Weirton Madonna Head coach: Jennifer Barnabei

It has been a positive year for Madonna cheering and head coach Jennifer Barnabei, who is in her second year at the program. “Our cheerleading program has had a fantastic year,” Barnabei said. “At regionals in the fall, our competition squad had a very positive experience.” There ...

Steubenville Big Red Head coach: Kelly Lancia

Fifth-year head coach Kelly Lancia and the Steubenville cheering team have worked hard to improve their routine since it was last performed at the Jefferson County Fair and they will be ready to show it off at the OVAC Championship on Feb. 4 at WesBanco Arena. “We have tweaked sections to ...