Cheer team qualifies for nationals in new division

The cheer team competed at a regional competition in Tracy on Dec. 13 and qualified for nationals for their second competition in a row.

The team, however, moved up to the intermediate level for this competition. They increased the difficulty of their routine by adding in stunts such as full-twisting cradles and back tucks.

“The girls had improved their skills and seemed prepared for the next level of competition,” said team advisor Larissa Ridge.

Because the team qualified for nationals in the novice division at an earlier competition, they can now choose which division to compete in for nationals.

“It gives us the choice of what kind of routine we want to have,” said Ridge.

Although the team practices three times a week, it was only able to practice with all members two week before competition. Due to these members’ other commitments, the team will not participate in any other competitions until nationals in March.

“This was our last competition because not everyone is available for a weekend,” said Ridge. “We can hopefully keep up the hard work until nationals.”