CHEERS!

Cats claim medals in U.S. competition

  • The Pendleton County High School Cheer Cats finished third, its highest finish ever, in the Universal Cheerleaders Association National High School Cheerleading Championships. The Cheer Cats competed in the Small Varsity Coed Division II Game Day competition.
    The Pendleton County High School Cheer Cats finished third, its highest finish ever, in the Universal Cheerleaders Association National High School Cheerleading Championships. The Cheer Cats competed in the Small Varsity Coed Division II Game Day competition.
  • UCA Nationals was the last competition of this cheer season. The Cheer Cats were recognized Friday at a pep rally at school and the team will be recognized at the basketball game today for their achievements.
    UCA Nationals was the last competition of this cheer season. The Cheer Cats were recognized Friday at a pep rally at school and the team will be recognized at the basketball game today for their achievements.

By Jennifer Redden

 

ORLANDO — The Pendleton County High School Cheer Cats captured bronze medals last week in the Universal Cheerleaders Association National High School Cheerleading Championships.

Pendleton County competed Feb. 9 to 12 in the Small Varsity Coed Division II Game Day competition. The Game Day competition involves invigorating the crowd and has three parts — band chant, situational sideline, and crowd leading. 

“I knew our team had a great performance in the final round of competition, but I also knew we had a couple of mistakes that could cost us getting in the top five, which was our goal as a team,” head varsity coach Abby Belcher said.

“When they announced we were in third place and would receive the bronze medal medallions, the tears and excitement could not be contained. We are so incredibly proud of this team for pushing themselves to be the best they could be after 11 months together.”

Last year, the PC Cheer Cats placed ninth in the nation and were hoping to improve their standing this year.  The team succeeded by placing third, the highest performance of any PC cheer team at UCA Nationals in Pendleton County history.  

“The ups and downs are always incredibly hard throughout a long season, but we all persevered and pulled together as a team when it came to the competition mat,” Belcher said.

“Also, I want to thank all our parents and friends that came down to support us at nationals. We had a huge group cheering us on and this makes a huge difference when it comes to the Game Day routine. I love each of these athletes so much and I am truly blessed to be their coach,” she said.

To qualify for nationals at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando, teams had to receive a bid by placing either first or second at a UCA competition prior to nationals. The Pendleton County team received two bids as they placed at both UCA tournaments that they attended. . . 

 

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CHEER, continues on Page 3A