News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
Algood Middle School’s cheerleaders learned a personal lesson on sportsmanship Monday night.
Both Prescott Middle School and Algood Middle School played sectional championship basketball games in Lawrenceburg Monday night. With Prescott’s cheer squad unavailable, the Algood cheerleaders sprung into action and cheered for Prescott in their place. Algood Cheer Coach Jillian Milligan said not only did the cheerleaders not hesitate, it was their idea.
“When it comes to our school sports, our number one thing is displaying good sportsmanship at all times,” Milligan said. “That’s something that as coaches, we have encouraged throughout the year. So, it was really amazing to just see them forget about our colors for a minute and be willing to pick up some green pom-poms and cheer them on.”
Milligan said the act of Putnam County unity brought several Prescott parents to tears. She said support for the schools in the Putnam County system trumps the competitiveness of what is typically a district rivalry.
“Our girls are amazing so I wasn’t that surprised that they were willing to be that cheerful,” Milligan said. “That is what they love to do, but it was great to see them come together and cheer on someone that has been our rival.”
She said when Prescott and Algood play against each other, the squads often have “cheer-offs” against one another. She said when the games are over, the girls forget about the difference in color and do what they know is right. She said that level of sportsmanship and connectedness is unique to Putnam County.
“We’ve been to a few other schools throughout the year in different counties that didn’t display the greatest display the greatest sportsmanship toward our cheerleaders,” Milligan said. “They never let that stop them. They never let other people’s negativity slow them down.”
Milligan said many of the parents and players from Prescott Middle School stayed after their game to return the favor and cheer for Algood during their game.
