Cheer becomes State Champions after 13 years

The co-ed cheer/dance team placed first as grand champions and the Timeout team placed sixth overall.

On Saturday, Nov. 2, the co-ed cheer/dance team and the Timeout non tumbling team traveled to the Jacobson Exhibition Center at the Des Moines State Fair Grounds to compete for state titles.

“I’m proud of the cheer/dance co-ed team because they deserved first place. Our other team, Timeout, did really well even though it was our first year competing in that division. Competing in that division helps us to know what to improve on for next year and allows us to dip our toes in the water,” said member of Timeout team Natalie Zanella.

“[Both teams] worked on timing for our jumps and for our stunts while trying to keep our motions tight. We also focused on enunciating so the judges and audience could understand us and cheer along,” said Zanella.

During the co-ed team’s practice, senior Erica Johnson focused on helping the selected alternates learn their new stunts, counts, and spots.

Mikal Honeycutt said that he remembered feeling nervous yet excited to hear the placement of both cheer teams.

“I loved getting to be the first person to grab the trophy while feeling the rush of finally winning after 13 years of defeat because it was my last opportunity to compete as a senior,” said Honeycutt.

The co-ed cheer/dance team places first as grand champions.

The Timeout team places sixth overall in their division.