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The Culver City High School varsity cheer team competed in the National High School Cheerleading Championships over the weekend at Disney World in Orlando.
The National High School Cheerleading Championship is the most prestigious competition of its kind in the country.
Nationally televised on ESPN and ESPN2, it goes into 100 million homes and 32 countries nationwide each year.
Teams from every state enter regional competitions to qualify for a chance to qualify nationally.
Culver High’s team — one of 13 Southern California high schools — qualified in December to participate in two divisions.
On Saturday, 12 cheerleaders entered the competitive Small Varsity division. Small Varsity requires an elite skill level.
Culver City went head to head with the strongest teams in the country. For the first time in community history, the squad’s Day One score qualified Culver High to advance out of prelims to the semifinals.
Out of 57 qualifying teams from throughout the country, Culver City placed 27th.
On Sunday, all 18 of Culver City’s varsity girls competed in the National Game Day Championships. This division requires cheerleading squads to perform three different routines in a mock game situation where they are judged on their crowd-leading ability, spirit, stunting, and tumbling skills.
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It is a true testament of what it really takes to be a cheerleader.
Culver City’s score in semi-finals placed the team first going into the finals. Later that evening, Culver girls once again nailed the routine for a second time. Judges, however, placed them second, finishing just 0.2 points short of the national championship title.
A heartbreaking loss.
While they were disappointed, the Culver High cheerleaders held their heads high and graciously accepted the honor of being ranked second in the nation.
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“They came to Florida focused on representing Culver City High School with pride and giving their best to each other and the coaching staff,” said Coach Lindsey Farris. “The thrill of being just one of four California teams in the nation to make semi-finals in Small Varsity and winning second in the nation for Varsity Game Day (the only California team to make finals) is unbelievable.
“These ladies proved that they are true champions in every way. With skill, spirit, and sportsmanship they are the complete package. “
Culver City has always had a strong cheer program.
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However, over the weekend they made a name for themselves nationally.
“It has been an honor to coach them,” said Farris. “Our achievements this season are by far the proudest moments in my coaching career.”
ESPN will rebroadcast the competition later this month, including footage of the Culver High cheerleaders.
Mr. Maleman may be contacted at gmaleman@aol.com
