McCook girl motoring on to the Broncos' cheer team

McCook High senior Gracie Manley (seated, second from right) recently signed a scholarship to cheer at Hastings College where she will study psychology. Among those joining Gracie at the signing event in McCook High’s gymnasium were (from left) mom Becky Manley, dad Kevin Manley and Hastings Collge coach Jordan Smith. The Bronco cheer team finished with its highest average scores ever in 2021-22.

Courtesy Photo

McCOOK, Neb. — Who said motorcycles and rugby players can’t mix perfectly into a high-tech cheer-dance program?

McCook High senior Gracie Manley proved that notion wrong recently when she signed to join the Hastings College cheer team.

She’ll study psychology and — at least for now — put aside her love of motorcycle riding to help these Broncos deliver even better performances.

“I never really thought I’d make it this far,” Manley said during an interview with Bison radio voice Rich Barnett. “Or find a college that I would be interested in attending that offered this kind of (cheer) opportunity.”

Hastings coach Jordan Smith certainly understands how plans can change directions faster than a Harley Davidson.

Smith, a Boone Central High grad, was playing rugby during his college days and never paid much attention to cheer or dance.

Not too many years later, he’s directing both programs at Hastings College along with being involved in the women’s wrestling program.

“I’d never be doing any of this if you asked me 10 years ago,” Smith said when he visited McCook earlier this year to sign senior Gwyneth Davis, who joined both the Hastings wrestling and dance teams.

“I’m glad I have my eyes opened to what they can do in college cheer and dance,” he said. “Gwyneth really excelled in more of the overhead stunts, which aren’t allowed in high school as you can only go chest high.”

As far as Gracie goes, Smith believes she’s another excellent addition for the Broncos.

“Gracie’s really willing to push herself out of her comfort zone and try new things,” he said. “And you have to push yourself, both mentally and physically when it comes to tumbling or stunting.”

Gracie will study psychology to start her career at Hastings College. She played sports during her high school and loves the “competition aspect” of cheering.

These should help her stay active and ready for a return to cycling in future years.

“I’m definitely going to be starting that up again sometime,” she concluded.