News

Officials from the Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College (NEO) Athletic Department have announced that Anna Hart and Nita Hanes will become the new NEO Cheer and Norse Stars coaches effective immediately. Hart and Hanes, who have coached together for the last decade, are excited to build on the tradition of the Norse spirit programs. “We come from a competitive background, so one of our main goals for this year’s squad is to enter a local competition to give our cheerleaders and dancers a taste of what competition is like,” said Hanes. “Anna and I have always dreamed of being a coaching team, so this is an exciting opportunity for us.”

“I am an NEO alumna, and like Nita said, it was my dream to coach here,” said Hart. “We have already started our recruiting effort and have 32 members currently on the squad, so we are very excited.” Hart and Hanes have judged with the Varsity Cheerleading organization for several years and Haynes has even judged internationally, most recently travelling to Sweden. For now, Hart and Haynes are focused on getting acquainted with their team, arranging camp, and developing a program.

“One thing we want from all of our athletic teams is for student-athletes to learn what it is to be competitive,” said Dr. Jeff Hale. “Both winning and losing can build a lot of character, and I think it is incredibly important for our young people to learn how to cope with competing at a high level. We are very excited for the new energy and ideas that Nita and Anna are bringing to a program that has such an outstanding tradition.” NEO Cheer/Dance are currently holding a fundraiser for the upcoming year. They are selling Blue and Gold Erimish Gameday Stack bracelets. For more information about NEO Cheer and Norse Stars, contact Nancy Roberts at nancy.roberts@neo.edu. (Photo from left: Interim Athletic Director Joe Renfro, Nita Hanes, Anna Hart, Dr. Jeff Hale)