Competition Cheer Team prepares to head to Nationals

The+Varsity+Coed+Competition+Cheer+team+poses+for+a+picture+after+the+victory.+

Courtesy of HHS Cheerleading Twitter

The Varsity Coed Competition Cheer team poses for a picture after the victory.

On Saturday, November 2nd, the Varsity Coed Competition Cheer team placed first at the Bluegrass Championship and received a bid to Universal Cheerleaders Association (UCA) Nationals. 

 

The Bird’s long day began when they arrived at school around 10:30 to practice before heading down to Kentucky Expo Center in Lousiville, Kentucky. The Birds competed at 3:30, fitting several impressive stunts into their short two minutes and 30-second long performance. 

 

After an anticipation-filled wait following their performance as well as those of several other small varsity schools, the winners were announced, Highlands High School placing first in their division. 

 

Junior Erin Barker said, “Hearing our name announced as first felt surreal. It’s always been a dream of mine to go to Nationals and beating our rivals at this competition was the cherry on top.”

 

To add to the excitement, the Birds received a bid to UCA Nationals in Orlando, Florida on February 7th. Because the Birds had a score of over 75 points, this bid allows them to participate in Nationals with a few other teams from each state. While they’re in Orlando, the team will also travel to Disney and participate in other fun Florida activities. 

 

Senior Sam Ellsworth said, “I’m super excited to compete with teams from around the country, which is an opportunity not many sports get.”