(Cover photo by Chuck Barnes/SMCC Sports Info)

Every week we’re spotlighting a program from around Pike County for our Team of the Week, presented by Casey Carter, Farm Bureau Insurance.

There was a feeling of momentum in Summit this season as first year head football coach Les George led the team to a 3-6 record after back-to-back single win campaigns the previous two seasons.

Part of the better vibes on game day was the cheer squad led by first year coach Katie Paulk Bell.

Katie Bell

Bell was hired a year ago to lead the program at her alma mater.

The cheerleaders  were part of an enhanced gameday experience in Summit, something that Bell hopes to see continued improvement in.

“This year brought a whirlwind of excitement and challenges, especially when collaborating with our production team, football team, band and Redline dance team,” said Bell. “Establishing a strong working relationship with the football coaching staff is crucial for alignment on game day performances and fostering a unified spirit.”

The first SMCC cheer squad coached by Bell was filled with athletes from Southwest Mississippi.

Freshman Trent Owens is a Brookhaven High graduate who played baseball in high school. Sophomore Colby Terrell was an outstanding basketball player in his high school career at Loyd Star.

Sophomores Savannah Arnold and Ramsey Brown hail from Franklin County while sophomores Chloe Carney and Elijah Smith are both Lawrence County alums.

Sophomores Ashlynn Troutman and Madison Cutrer went to Parklane Academy, as did freshmen Maryn Hollis and Ellie Hanhart.

Sophomore Anna Rai Cline is a Brookhaven Academy graduate and freshman Jaidyn Leggett is a West Lincoln alum.

The rest of the team consisted of Joshua Smith, Elizabeth Silvio, Blair Rutland, Bethainee McPhail, Kami Jackson, Shawn Dunhurst, Paisley Collett, and Makenzie Campbell.

“We wanted to congratulate Coach Les George and his coaching staff on a transformative season,” said Bell. “All of their hard work is seen and appreciated. If there is one thing my team knows and understands, it’s that hard work pays off. It’s been an honor to cheer on this football team.”

The emphasis for the cheer squad now moves on to basketball, while also putting in the work to prepare for College Nationals Competition in 2026.

“Balancing basketball season with preparing for nationals can be demanding, yet rewarding experience for student-athletes,” said Bell. “Cheerleaders often find themselves juggling between strength training sessions, practice, travel and academic commitments. The preparation for nationals is intense, requiring dedication, precision, and teamwork with our band and dance team to perfect routines.”

Then tryouts will come in the spring, when Bell will be tasked with replacing her graduating sophomores and building a new team to cheer on the Bears in Summit.

“As a coach, teaching life skills is just as important as teaching skills within the sport,” said Bell. “Beyond proud of each and every one of my athletes this year and I can’t wait to see all their hard work pay off.”