Conner named to All-State

Photograph submitted Blackhawk cheerleader Ty Conner was named to the All-State Cheer squad. Conner, 18, is the son of Victoria Williamson of Prairie Grove and grandson of Stanley and Judy Williamson of Avoca.
Photograph submitted Blackhawk cheerleader Ty Conner was named to the All-State Cheer squad. Conner, 18, is the son of Victoria Williamson of Prairie Grove and grandson of Stanley and Judy Williamson of Avoca.

Senior Blackhawk cheer member Ty Conner was named to the Arkansas All-State Cheer team this week. He wants to be a Razorback cheerleader.

In cheer for the past four years, Conner said he is also on a competitive cheer team in Springdale. He tried out this past year and is on the level 3 tumbling squad at Arkansas Cheer Dynamics.

"I'm working on my tryout DVD for the University of Arkansas," Conner said, explaining that if he passes that, he gets invited to personal tryout and, if selected, he gets fitted for a uniform to perform at the Red and White game.

"We're really happy for him," Melissa Meyers, cheer coach said. "He's looking forward to cheering in college at the University of Arkansas."

"He's really strong in partner stunting which involves him and a flyer. He's also an exceptional tumbler," Meyers said.

Conner said the former junior high cheer coach, Nikki Van Dyke, encouraged him to join the cheer squad.

"She got me into it. It's really like family -- it's a team, the whole cheer squad," he said. "I like being in sports."

Conner said he played basketball but quit to spend more time with cheer. He hopes to major in broadcast journalism.

Sports on 01/15/2014