When she first arrived at Campus High School, cheer coach Pam Burkett knew this was the place for her. But initially her plan wasn’t to coach the team, but the administration had other plans.

“I have been coaching cheer here at Campus since 1994 so this is the beginning of my 26th year. I have only coached at Campus. The administration at that time knew that my daughter had been involved in cheer and I was involved so they called and asked me to apply. The rest is history,” said Burkett. “I really love working with the kids. If I didn’t, I would have stopped years ago. I love helping them and getting to know them. The worst part is when they graduate.”

COVID-19 has forced every coach and athlete to adjust the way the teach and learn. Burkett has found ways to deal with it. “This year with COVID-19 is totally different. It is frustrating and hard for the kids. They have already had so many changes and this is just another on top of
it. We are very restricted in what we can do,” said Burkett. As a coach, Burkett encourages her student-athletes to be involved in the local community.

“I definitely encourage them to be involved in community activities. We have morning practices, so it frees up their evenings and I allow varsity cheerleaders to miss one game without penalty. They also can take a few benching’s without jeopardizing cheering here at Campus. I love for them to be involved,” said Burkett. “I love so many things about the Haysville community.

It is a large community with a definite small town feel. Our high school has so many wonderful programs for the kids.”