By Derrick Smith

Cheerleaders do more than just cheer on the sidelines of sporting events, rooting on their school and keeping the crowd involved in the contest. There is a ton of work that goes on behind the scenes to make sure that each team member is ready to cheer at a game or for a competition. 

Brinlea Brockup attends Inola High School where she is a member of the cheer squad. As a member of the team, she does flying, basing, tumbling, and point jumper. She knows what it takes to be successful because it is what she has done over the span of her career. 

“In order to be successful in cheer, I have to do a few things,” she said. “I have tumbled for around 12 years. I also go to a lot of great camps. I have also listened to the criticism of those that are around me.”

Brockup is a senior and has cheered for about 10 years. She says that over that time, she has enjoyed making some great memories with her teammates on and off the sideline and mat. 

“I love cheering alongside my teammates,” she said. “But I think the highlight of my career would be being accepted into the 2022 All Region Cheer and also qualifying for the 2022 All State cheer tryouts.”

Brinlea has had some awesome people that have influenced her over the years.

“My parents have been my role models,” she said. “They have always pushed me to the best of my abilities and encouraged me to keep going, even when things are tough. My cheer coach, Sara Eagleton, has taught me many life lessons and things that I will be able to carry with me even after I graduate.”

Along with cheer, Brockup is also a member of the National Honor Society, student council, and she is the senior girl spirit coordinator.