This February, the LHS varsity cheer team competed at a national championship in Anaheim, California. In that competition, Lewiston placed fifth in the nation.
They had been preparing since last October, and just before they left, most of them were still nervous to compete. This was the first time some of them had ever gone to nationals; the last time they went was in 2023. Overall, the team had a good season, winning 5th at Nationals and winning 2nd at State.
According to Nielson, “teamwork and good sportsmanship are essential for the foundation of safety.”
Nielsen expanded on the topic, “When they lose, people tend to blame themselves and feel guilty when something goes wrong. The cheer coaches have taught them how to lose and still be happy, which builds resilience. The cheer team doesn’t let their losses get to them; they come back stronger and better. A key factor of teamwork.”
“My coaches have taught me that it’s not that deep, and not everything’s about you, and not everyone hates you when something goes wrong,” said Nielson.
In cheer, teams are scored by tightness, unity, difficulty, execution and energy, said Nielson. “What matters most is if your routine is clean,” said Nielson. “You get deductions if you aren’t on time, don’t do the different stunts correctly, or have falls or drops.”
Cheerleaders who competed at nationals included: Gracie Clemenhagen, Makenna Comer, Sydney Crea, Katie Eldred, Hayden Foster, Savannah Gonzales, Talina Granger, Kamden Grimm, Hunter Harell, Bree Hendren, Jorja Jelinek, Chloe McKnight, Lexus Leach, Paulene Lydie, Lilja Main, Ava Manyon, Ariana Miller, Harper Morrison, Briley Nelson, Kyla Nesset, Kimberly Nielson, Kodie Obray, Eva Pritchett, Ivy Robinson, Katelyn Rosenbaum, Ella Rudolph, Laura Schwartz, Kadynce Scott, Mia Smith, Kaylee Stachofsky, Halee Steiner, Isabelle Titus, Aliah Winterbottom, and Natalie Witt.
