July 23, 2004 - Covington
After last year's 3rd place finish at the National Cheerleading Competition, Hollie Hitchcock wasn't totally satisfied. Being a competitor, Hollie felt she could have performed better and wanted to get back to nationals to redeem herself in her own mind.

"The tears were flowing when she finished her routine," continued Hollie's mother, Deb at the time. "She was disappointed that she didn't try a couple of moves she had planned in her routine."

With her sights set on the 2004 National Cheerleading Competition, Hollie prepared herself for an entire year. Along the way she had some major setbacks, which put her dream in jeopardy.

Last December, in the middle of basketball season, Hollie suffered a serious injury…one that normally sidelines the typical teenager. While doing one of her thrilling flips Buccanneer fans have become accustom to seeing, Hollie tore her interossius ligaments and suffered a fractured fibula. The serious of her injury forced her to go through the rest of the basketball season in a cast and face the frustration of not being able to train like she normally could.

Hollie's not your typical teenager, but a young lady who is driven and determined to do what it takes to get to where she wants to be. In her mind, not going after a National Championship was not an option.

Instead, she made her way to Nationals on Orlando, Florida and set her sights on the title she felt slipped away a year ago.

The Covington senior and daughter of Al and Debbie Hitchcock went head-to head with the best cheerleaders in the nation. After an intense competition and fighting the effects of her injuries, Hollie managed to reach the finals for the second straight year. Despite the adversity, Hollie captured another third place finish, only a half of a point short of finishing second.

Although finishing in the top three in the nation is a monumental accomplishment, especially under the circumstances, Hollie still isn't satisfied.

"Next year, hopefully that title (National Champions) will be mine," said Hollie. "My hard work will pay off – when I achieve that goal!"

The national championship isn't the only thing Hollie sees in her future. The only returning three-year letter winner on the Buccaneer cheerleading squad sees cheering at the collegiate level in her future.

She's had communication with Morehead State, University of Kentucky, University of Cincinnati, Wright State, University of Tennessee, Ball State, Penn State, and Ohio State. Her ultimate dream is to cheer for the Ohio State Buckeyes.

"She wishes to go to OSU to cheer, but the final decision will be based on the availability of scholarships," said Deb. "Some schools offer full rides and some don't, so we'll see what happens."

Hollie has one year left at Covington and plenty to accomplish. Although a national championship and a spot on the Ohio State cheerleading squad seems like huge expectations...don't be surprised if little Hollie Hitcock pulls it off.

| 2004 Covington Cheerleaders |