The Sweet Home High School varsity cheerleaders finished second, behind Klamath Union, among 13 teams at the state competition held Saturday at the Memorial Coliseum in Portland.
Finishing third was North Bend, followed La Salle Prep at fourth and Henley at fifth.
The Huskeis scored 61.58 points compared to Klamath Union’s 66.75.
“They hit it perfectly in warmups,” said Coach Amber Rosa. “And then it bobbled in our performance. Their routine was still way above third place (55.92 points).”
It was the second best performance in the morning session and 11th among all teams that day, including large 5A and 6A teams.
“We had some stiff competition,” Rosa said. “Klamath Union nailed it perfectly. We’re excited for them.”
This was the first state championship for Klamath Union girls in the school’s history, she said. The two teams work together during the annual Shriners football game before splitting up to cheer for different sides.
The Huskies placed first at two competitions this season and second at two. The only team to defeat them was Klamath Union, and the Huskies finished ahead of Klamath Union at the first competition this year.
“We have been neck and neck all year,” Rosa said. The teams had similarly difficult routines.
The Huskies were a little stronger in stunting, while Klamath Union had an advantage in tumbling. Saturday, Klamath Union executed better, Rosa said. The Huskies had two stunts fall, which cost one point, and Klamath’s execution score was higher for better timing.
“We are happy with it,” Rosa said. “Our goal is always one or two. Any time you beat out 11 teams in the state, it’s a big deal.”
The girls worked hard, and they’re well respected, Rosa said. Everybody loved the “zombie” routine.
The team included Ady Perez, Alex Olin, Autumn Martin, Caitlyn Spencer, Christina Jenkins, Erin Bauer, Ilima Walker, Kaelee Almy, Kaitlyn Watts, Kalyn Hagle, McKenzie Curtis, MiKayla Crompton, Natalie Thorpe, Sadie Gorden and Samantha McMahand. Alternates were Dakota Garcia and Ivy Weidner.
The team competes one more time, in Salem this weekend. The competition had been postponed by the snowstorm earlier this month.