While their backgrounds were different, both Cooper Johnston and Seth Hillis made their way to Bobby Bowden Field, but not for football, Johnston and Hillis represent the Bulldogs from the sideline as part of the Samford Cheer Team. Football would have been too predictable of a path.
Johnston grew up playing all kinds of sports such as football, baseball, track and even powerlifting. He didn’t have a background in cheer or anything stunt-related, but the athleticism element was there.
Hillis, on the other hand, competed in gymnastics for nine years where his best events were floor and pommel horse. The experience was there, but not quite the opportunity.
“It was a smaller gym, and I basically grew out of the equipment because they didn’t have the best equipment or facilities,” said Hillis. “Also, coaches in that area (Nacogdoches) for gymnastics are hard to come by.”
It was a more natural transition to the team for Hillis given his gymnastics background, but it was a different story for Johnston.
Johnston wasn’t planning on continuing to play sports in college, but when he saw that Samford had a cheer team, he decided to try out.
“I transitioned into powerlifting and competed going into college and as I continued to do that I was like, you know what, I think I could do that,” said Johnston.
Johnston mentions that his father played a pivotal role in his development as an athlete. The time they spend lifting together is a gift that he deeply appreciates.
“I started lifting weights when I was in middle school with my dad and we still lift weights together when I’m at home,” Johnston said. “He’s probably the best weightlifting partner I’ve ever had.”
When it came to Hillis, he spoke highly of his father and highlighted his service and selfless nature as integral pieces to the puzzle of his success.
“Before I went to my local gym in East Texas, my dad would drive me an hour and a half every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday to a gym for a three-hour practice,” Hillis said. “He’d get off work and drive me there and back. He did this for two years and I’m just so thankful for him.”
Both Johnston and Hillis make sure to express how grateful they are for one another on the team. They have developed quite a bond.
“Without Cooper there, I don’t think I’d have as much fun or be as into it as I am right now,” said Hillis. “Honestly, it’s just good with Cooper.”
They’ve also been able to learn things from each other, pushing one another to be the best they can be.
“Seth taught me all the tumbling I know,” said Johnston
At Samford, faith usually plays a part in athletes’ journeys through their season and the same is true for Johnston and Hillis.
“I think it’s a lot into 1 Corinthians 10:31 ‘whether you eat, drink, whatever you do, do it all to the glory of God,’” Johnston said. “I think that we can glorify God with anything that we do whether that’s by being students or by cheering on Samford.”
What caught Hillis’s eye was the workweek schedule he got at the beginning of his first year.
“I saw that at the end of the week, we (the cheer team) were all going to church together,” said Hillis. “It was just nice to realize that we’re not just on a team to do cheerleading we’re also on a team on this campus to glorify God.”
The team has given Johnston and Hillis so many great memories.
“Coming out of high school I missed what it was like being on a team and getting better with other people,” Johnston said. “It’s been so much fun practicing with my stunt partner Mayci and seeing myself improve. I’d also say going to March Madness last year was so awesome.”
For Hillis, he loves the motivation the team brings him.
“I need other people to help push me toward my goals and that’s been my favorite part of being on the cheer team. It’s being able to work towards something and having a group of people push me to work hard and get better,” said Hillis.
When the leaves change and football is in the air again, catch the guys on the sidelines in red and blue.
Sports Editor
