History has been made at Owensboro High School. For the first time in a long time, a member of the Red Devil cheer team is off to UK to begin a collegiate cheer career.

Curious to know the last time that happened? The last cheerleader from OHS to make the University of Kentucky cheer team was Tammy Hodskins Freer and that was back in the 80s. For perspective, Tammy's retiring this year from Newton Parrish Elementary. In other words, it's been a long time coming and that time is now. The time belongs to Khalil Rogers.

And the crazy thing about the story is this. Khalil hasn't even been cheering that long. It's been roughly a year. In fact, it was last May that Heather Cavitt, who's been coaching cheer for the last twenty years, busted up into the weight room at school. She knew that class was "all boys" and she was looking to recruit some strong guys for this season's cheer team. I suppose you could say that Khalil stepped up, stepped up and introduced himself.

He joined the team and quickly fit right in. There's no doubt that Khalil poses phenomenal athleticism. As Coach Cavitt explains, "He's a remarkable football player too." Because of his prowess, Khalil adapted to cheer almost immediately and helped the team cheer, chant and tumble to a major victory a couple of months ago.

There's no question the 2022-2023 season for the Owensboro Red Devils cheer team was incredible. It was capped with a state title at the Boys' Sweet 16 In-Cheer Championship. They snagged a heckuva trophy to show for it too.

Heather Cavitt
Heather Cavitt
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The team was recently recognized at the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce Rooster Booster Breakfast for their incredible efforts. Obviously, teamwork makes the dream work and Coach Cavitt says working with Khalil has been a dream.

Heather Cavitt
Heather Cavitt
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Her assistant coaches agree.

Assistant Coach Skyler Stewart says, "Khalil is an amazing multi-sport athlete and even better person." She adds that he "has an incredible discipline that you don't see in most adults, nonetheless 18-year-olds."

That discipline and all his hard work has certainly paid off. Khalil attended an open gym event at UK and quickly impressed the university's coach. He was then invited to try out for the team. As Skyler explains, the UK Wildcat Cheer Team isn't just any team. It's "one of the best collegiate cheer programs in the nation." In case you're wondering, that program has won 24 National Championships! They won their last in 2019.

Khalil now has the opportunity to be a part of that program. Earlier this week, he officially signed with the university.

Heather Cavitt
Heather Cavitt
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UK has shared their 2023-2024 roster on social media.

Fans of the program, who bleed the same blue as UK's most devoted basketball fans, are already chiming in.

I think UK fan Rob Anderson summed it up best when he replied, "Welcome to the BBN family, Sir."

Welcome indeed, Khalil. Oh, and yeah, this goes without saying (or chanting), GO BIG BLUE!

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