Sports
Mercedes Buchanan named Warren Central Head Cheer Coach
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VICKSBURG, Miss. (VDN) —
Mercedes Buchanan has officially been named the head cheerleading coach at Warren Central High School, taking over the program just weeks before the start of the 2026 football season.
With the season opener less than a month away, Buchanan said she is excited about the opportunity to lead the Lady Vikes.
“I’m excited, and it’s different and something to get used to, but I feel like my girls are excited too,” Buchanan said.
A native of Houlka, Mississippi, Buchanan graduated from Houlka Attendance Center, where she was a cheerleader. She is also a two-time graduate of Mississippi State University.
After the head coaching position became vacant, Buchanan accepted the role and immediately began preparing the squad for the upcoming season. While she plans to introduce new ideas, she also wants to preserve the traditions that have defined Warren Central cheerleading.
“I always loved cheer, and I plan to make some changes and make things more appealing and make it more different than what they’re used to while keeping the same traditional elements of football cheer,” she said.
Buchanan has already made an early impact. Last month, she guided the Lady Vikes to the UCA Cheer Camp, where nine cheerleaders earned All-American honors. The squad also captured multiple team awards, including a gold ribbon for its camp routine.
The Lady Vikes will make their regular-season debut on Aug. 28, when they take the sidelines to cheer on the Warren Central football team in its season opener.
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