The Brandon High School Varsity Competitive Cheer team traveled to Grand Rapids to compete at the Delta Plex for the state cheerleading competition March 8. The girls placed seventh at their first ever state competition beating out St. Joseph, St. Clair, and Portage Northern. Gibraltar Carlson came in first place with a total of 777.280 points. Brandon scored 713.920 points total.
‘The highlight of the day was just the experience itself. Being at the MHSAA state finals was an amazing experience for the girls and myself as a coach,? said Varsity Competitive Cheerleading Coach Jamie Slot.
‘I believe it is a great accomplishment to qualify for state finals after only five years of the program’s existence. The girls did an excellent job!?
The Blackhawks reached all their season’s goals, including having a team tuck for their round two in competition, winning the league championship and making it to states. Slot says one of the team’s greatest accomplishments was beating St. Clair, the region 8 champions. St. Clair earned a ninth place win, where the Blackhawks stole seventh.
‘Our fundamentals have really advanced this year, and our stunting skills have moved up in difficulty.? Slot continued.
Team members who collected First Team All Region are Janessa Fahr, Emily Murphy, Talana Pearson, and Jill Brendel. Teammates earning Second Team All Region include Bethany Harding, Danielle Snyder, and Colleen Brendel. Honorable Mention All Region include Brittney Lemessurier and Kallie Zardus. Earning Second Team All State is Janessa Fahr, and Honorable Mention All State goes to senior Emily Murphy.