After five championships and five seasons of pressure and hard work, one standard has not changed for the Edmond Memorial High School pom team. This year, the Edmond Memorial High School pom team once again rose to the challenge, taking home its fifth consecutive state championship and holding its place as one of the most consistent programs in the state.

Memorial’s state pom team entered the season knowing that defending a title can often be harder than winning the first. Expectations were high, and every performance leading up to state carried the weight of the program’s successful history. Instead of letting the mounds of pressure become overwhelming, the team used it as motivation.

For senior captain Anna Sterkel, the season was a personal and collective experience. After being on the state pom squad for all four years of high school, she stepped into a leadership role that required confidence and hard work.

“At first it was scary, and I felt a lot of pressure to uphold the standard we’ve created,” Sterkel said. “We faced challenges at the beginning and a lot of uncertainty, but this team has been the most devoted and hardworking team I’ve ever been a part of.”

As the season progressed, consistency became one of the team’s strongest advantages, separating them from the competition. Their performances demonstrated confidence in their choreography and in each other, which is a result of starting their work in July, way before the competitive season actually starts. The foundation for their success was built during their off-season, when everyone on the squad committed to improving their skills and learning self-discipline long before state was in sight.

“We had one of the most consistent teams this year skill-wise,” Sterkel said. “I truly believe that came from the hard work we put in during the spring and summer.”

Pom’s strength was not limited to its main 18-person mixed state team routine. Individual performances that were taken to state showed the depth of talent in the program and the mental strength required to compete alone or with a small group on such a large stage.

Three soloists qualified for state, with two advancing to finals. Sterkel earned a 9th-place finish, and junior Kinsie Alexander placed 7th out of 100 junior and senior competitors. Performing a solo requires a different mindset, where there is no team energy to feed off of during the showings, so it is built on self-trust.

“You work hard for one moment, one three-minute routine,” Sterkel said. “Knowing this was my last time on the state floor made it emotional, but it also made me appreciate every second.”

For non-seniors on the squad, the championship season also serves as proof that their persistence is rewarded. Junior Avery Wilson’s path to the state team was formed from her resilience after not making the state team her sophomore year. Her experience is meaningful because she can see her efforts come full circle at state.

“I wasn’t on the team my sophomore year, so I had to work really hard to get where I am today,” Wilson said. “Making the floor [team] and winning state made everything worth it in the end.”

The team’s versatility was showcased through their performances in both mix and jazz small group divisions. Their mix routine, themed around the Oklahoma City Thunder, stood out for its high energy, sharp movements, bold style and unity between the girls. The routine evolved with help from pom coach Teri Ogle throughout the season as the team made adjustments to maximize the overall impact, ultimately earning the mix group a state championship. 

“If something wasn’t working, we changed it,” Ogle said. “That flexibility is what helped this team succeed. The four choreography days in the summer are really long, but really productive. That’s when we start putting things on the floor, changing what doesn’t work and figuring out how to make the routines stronger.”

As the season came to a close, emotions ran high, especially for seniors, on the state floor for the last time, such as Sterkel. Pom has given her an opportunity that she would not trade for the world: teammates who double as best friends. 

“Taking the state floor for the last time and really appreciating everyone who showed up meant everything to me,” Sterkel said. “Dancing for the girls next to me and knowing they trusted me as a leader is something I’ll never forget.”

With five straight state championships now secured, pom will still be showing up to other EMHS sporting events to cheer on their fellow Bulldogs to their victories, but will also continue to work hard and improve their skills for next season. There will also be a ring ceremony held to honor their hard work.

“Knowing this is our fifth title in a row is incredible,” Sterkel said. “Instead of letting up, we just keep working harder because we know there’s always a target on our back.”

Contact Anna Vitiello at [email protected]