PEA RIDGE — The second annual Blackhawk Invitational Cheer Competition was Saturday, Nov.
10, hosted by Pea Ridge High School Senior Cheer and was largely an effort of the parents and head coach, Jamie Bunting, to organize, fund and operate.
This year’s event went very well as there were 22 teams andfour mascots in competition.
The Pea Ridge Senior High cheer squad not only took first in the 1-4A co-ed division, but won overall co-ed division against all senior high co-ed teams, including Bentonville. Pea Ridge Sr. High cheer also took first in the all-girl stunt group of Haley Roughton, Reaganne Rhine, Kasey Smith, Brittney Thomas and Madison Rose. Taking secondplace in the co-ed stunt group competition was the group of Ty Conner, Kelly Green and Chattin Cato for the Blackhawks. In the Sr. High mascot competition, which is clearly becoming one of the most entertaining pieces of the competition, was our own Heather Kremer, taking second place as “Hank the ’Hawk” closely behind “Leo the Lion” from Gravette High.
Pea Ridge Jr. High cheer performedwell taking first place in their division. They also took second place in the all-girl stunt competition with the group of Rebecca Woods, Haley Higgins, Nicole Henson, Shelby Morgan and Marlana Coupland.
Also peforming was the local Pee Wee Competitive Cheer squad led by Dawnitta Henson.
Both cheer squads are coached by Jamie Bunting. Bunting is in her third season at Pea Ridge and the Sr. High squad is the defending the State Champion.
Upcoming competitions for the Sr. High are Dec. 1 at Har-Ber High, Dec.
8 at Arkansas Tech and they will defend their state title at State Competition on Dec. 15 in Hot Springs.
“I am very proud of the hard work both Jr. High and Sr. High have been doing this year,” Bunting said.
Many thanks to all the parents and volunteers who helped to make this happen as this event is the largest component of funding for the cheer program.
Sports, Pages 7 on 11/21/2012