![Students, teachers, and parents visit Omaha Beach in Normandy, France on June 7. "In 7th grade I had signed up for a [field trip to] Canada but it was canceled because COVID pushed it off so much, so when Mrs. Pietrzak brought up that they were doing a D-Day field trip to Europe, I thought that was really cool and I knew that I definitely wanted to do a trip while I was at West Shore so I took the opportunity," senior Amelia Bailly said.](https://westshoreroar.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/edbc27cd-da37-43d3-9ac9-0f38a21bbe02-1200x675.jpg)
The cheer team made history on February 7-10, securing a second-place finish at the National High School Cheerleading Championship at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. Competing on one of the biggest stages in the country, the team embraced the challenge and delivered a standout performance.
“It feels really good,” sophomore Alivia Hayes said. “The whole experience was one that I will forever remember. It also feels like I’m famous since we were streamed on the ESPN channel.”
The hard work, long hours of practice and countless repetitions all led to this defining moment.
“The most exciting part of the competition was winning,” Hayes said. “It felt so, so, so good, and having those memories with my team is something I will always treasure.”
The team’s performance received a perfect score.
“We started with the cheer, which was a major part of the routine since it’s the first thing the judges see,” Hayes said. “The next important part was the sequences of the stunts. It was the perfect combination, and though the routine was great, the most important part was the memories made.”
Leading up to nationals, the team had to maintain confidence and morale.
“The biggest challenge we faced was ourselves,” Hayes said. “We put so much time into the routine, and we had to trust that we had done enough.”
Hayes said performing in front of thousands under the bright lights was a surreal experience.
“When you get out there and the bright lights hit you, you forget all about the nerves and just perform to your best ability,” she said.
Sophomore Chase Kingery said the event was “stressful, but exciting.”
“One of our teammates led us in prayer before we competed, and we held hands and soaked in the moment,” Kingery said. “We all worked together to put the best routine on the mat.”
For Kingery, the standout moment was the team’s flawless execution.
“The most standout moment during the routine was when we hit zero,” he said, referring to a performance with no deductions. “No stunts fell, and everything hit perfectly.”
Though still a minority in the sport, male cheerleaders played an important role in the team’s success.
“Being a male cheerleader in such a competitive environment is something that some people look at strangely,” said sophomore Landen Armstrong. “But all the girls on the team think it’s cool, and we know our contributions matter.”
After the competition, the team celebrated at the ESPN complex and later at their Airbnb, reflecting on their accomplishment and preparing for what comes next.
“We jumped in the pool and just spent time together,” Kingery said.
Armstrong and Kingery said they will train in the offseason, focusing on strength training, tumbling drills and stunt work.
“I’m going to be doing a lot of weight training and coed stunting with my partner, Eva,” Kingery said. “We plan on going for first place next year.”
Looking ahead, the team has set even higher goals.
“We are aiming for first in the nation next year, and possibly world champions,” Hayes said.
By Jenna Naters
