Cheerleading squads stayed busy this summer to improve their skills, and one even earned a state championship.
Northeastern
Northeastern High School earned first place at the Indiana State Fair Cheerleading Competition in the Large Varsity Music category.
Coach Chelsea Wine said the team competed in 87-degree weather with the sun shining bright onto the dirt track. However, the heat didn’t stop the Knights from bringing back their second state fair championship trophy.
NHS cheerleaders will compete several times this fall as they prepare for state championships on Oct. 19 and Nov. 9, Wine said.
Hagerstown
During the Universal Cheerleaders Association summer camp that Hagerstown cheerleaders attended at Ball State University, its members won several honors that began with “Top Banana” on Day 1.
On the final day, Kayla Vinson, the Tigers’ head varsity coach, said they won first place for their game day routine and second place for their cheer and camp routine. The Tigers also received a Gold Superior ribbon for sideline and cheer evaluation and a Blue Superior ribbon for camp routine evaluations.
Several HHS members also received individual recognition. Three girls were named All-American: Hayden Beaty, Zaylee Payne and Savannah Smith. Four (Miranda Stockberger, Lola Grose, Abby Smith and Payne) received the “Pin-It-Forward” award.
The Tigers’ peers also chose them for the leadership award, which means that if they could belong to any other squad, they’d want to be part of HHS.
Vinson is assisted by Chloe Bush and Erica Glunt.
Richmond
Richmond High School didn’t compete this summer, coach Jessica Shadday said. However, they held a home UCA camp where the girls received a Superior rating for their technique, performance and execution.
The Red Devils are registered to compete at cheer competitions in Centerville on Oct. 6 and Northeastern on Oct. 13.
A version of this article appeared in the September 4 2024 print edition of the Western Wayne News.