Beyond the Megaphone: Hunter Scott’s Journey Through the World of Cheer
Kathy Clayton
The Ashland Beacon
Anyone involved in cheerleading in this area is familiar with the friendly face of Hunter Scott. From his days of cheering on the Russell Red Devils to his current stint on the sidelines with legendary Greenup County cheer coach Candy Berry, Hunter has been a part of the local cheer scene for many years. In the world of cheerleading, few names command as much respect and admiration as Hunter Scott.
Hunter recalled, “My cousin, Sharon Fannin cheered at Greenup County, and I would sometimes watch. I remember going to the Kings Island competition (a major event for local teams) and watching them, and that’s when I knew I wanted to do that.”
With a career spanning over two decades, Scott has become synonymous with excellence, leadership, and unwavering dedication to the sport of cheer. From his humble beginnings taking tumbling classes at the June Conn Dance Studio to winning multiple white satin jackets, Scott’s journey through the ever-evolving world of cheer serves as an inspiration to aspiring cheerleaders both new and far.
Scott's remarkable journey to the top is marked by numerous achievements and milestones. As a competitive cheerleader, Scott has led his teams to victory in prestigious championships, showcasing his unparalleled skill, athleticism, and commitment to excellence. His list of achievements is quite impressive and includes being a 2009 National Champion, 2009- Worlds fifth place finished with KY Elite, 2009- KHSAA State Runner Up for RHS, 2010 UCA National Runner Up, 2010 World Champion for the KY Elite, 2010- UCA National runner up, 2011- fifth place finish for Gym Tyme, and a USASF three-time Worlds competitor. His performances on the mat were nothing short of legendary, earning him the respect and admiration of his peers and competitors alike.
Many people don’t realize cheerleading is an intensely physical sport. Those involved in it have the dedication and ferocity often attributed to other sports. “It really requires a lot of work. I had a lot of tumbling classes and private lessons – lots and lots of hours spent practicing,” Scott shared.
“I spent five years as a cheerleading athlete at Russell; I started cheering at Kentucky Elite in Lexington my sophomore year of high school,” Scott shared. He went to the cheer and tumbling competition group, Kentucky Elite, in Lexington for three or so years. “I’d drive to Lexington after games on Friday and stay with an aunt and uncle who lived there then come back Sunday nights. I ended up quitting high school cheering during basketball of my senior year.” It was also during his senior year that his squad won a world championship with Kentucky Elite.
Beyond his accomplishments as an athlete, Scott's impact on the world of cheerleading extends far beyond the competition floor. As a coach, mentor, and advocate for the sport, he has played a pivotal role in shaping the next generation of cheerleaders, instilling in them the values of teamwork, perseverance, and sportsmanship. Hunter teaches tumbling at Pride Athletics near Greenup County High School and helps the legendary Candy Berry with the multiple award-winning GCHS cheerleaders. “I’ve coached cheer and tumbling. I’ve coached a lot at this point,” Scott said. In 2015, Scott helped coach the Boyd County High School cheer team to a regional championship.
He noted that Pride Athletics Studio has schools from all over the area – as far as Pikeville and Elliott County, as well as Ohio. “We (the Greenup Count cheer squad) just got back from winning nationals in Florida this year,” he said. “We had a heartbreaking loss last year, so winning this year was even better.” In 2023, Greenup County came in first at the World Championship and second at the Nationals.
Hunter said he is enjoying the teaching aspect of his career. “I love seeing them gain new skills. It’s almost more rewarding watching them acquire new skills and win awards than it was for me,” explained Scott. Whether he is coaching aspiring athletes, or simply spreading joy and positivity, Scott's legacy will undoubtedly endure for generations to come.