BJHS Squads Take High Honors at UCA Nationals
Penny Groux, Special to the Record
Friday, March 12, 2004
Bob Jones High School varsity and junior varsity competition cheerleaders placed in the top five at the recent National High School Cheerleading Championship.
The varsity cheerleaders placed fifth in the Medium Varsity Division and the junior varsity cheerleaders placed fourth in the Junior Varsity Division.
The varsity squad competed for two days against 56 other cheerleading teams that had 12-16 members.
They started out with a bang, but lost ground as a result of a few mistakes, according to head coach Shannon Pike.
The varsity squad advanced straight to the finals, skipping semi-finals, after scoring as the top squad in their original group during the opening day.
"Our varsity squad was ranked first after preliminary competition, but we had a few minor mistakes in the finals which cost us in the end," Pike said.
The varsity squad finished the competition ranked fifth in the nation.
The junior varsity squad finished fourth nationally in their division in competition against 30 other teams.
"Our showing at the nationals was the highest we have ever finished before, with both varsity and junior varsity moving up five spots from the previous year," Pike said.
"Overall, however, this was the best finish in the school's history of national competition and something for both squads to be very proud of accomplishing."
Pike said the finals will be televised on ESPN in the near future.
She also added that a number of the varsity cheerleaders were interviewed as part of the program.
Hosted by the Universal Cheerleaders Association, the 2004 National High School Cheerleading Championship was held Feb. 7-8 in Orlando, Fla. before standing room only crowds both days of the competition.
© 2002 Madison County Record. All rights reserved
VARSITY: (Front, L-R) Samantha Kyle, Brewer Wilbanks, Megan Smith and Allison Coleman (Back, L-R) Emily Parker, Rachel Underwood, Denise Gerrity, Kelley McKaig, Lauren Palmer, Mallory Fallin (with trophy), Lauren Gilley, Amanda Brown, Alicia Mooren, Cortney Smith, Kelley Eacret, Ashley Martin, Kecenia Stevenson and Erin Laing.
JUNIOR VARSITY: (Front, L-R) Lindsay Atnip, Brittany Griffis, Jenny Groux, Brandi Wilson, Courtney Connerly, Lauren Woltjen (Middle, L-R) Shay McKee, Kristine Disbrow, Cortney Smith, Alicia Pruner (Back, L-R)Stephanie Stratford, Larissa Nall, Tasha Austin, Riana Trahan, Jenniefer Voorhies, Katey McKaig, Kristen Conerly
