Pea Ridge Blackhawk cheer squad won first place in the 1-4A co-ed competition Dec. 21 in Hot Springs.
The team won in 2011, then won runner-up last year.
"This year was a big deal for them," Melissa Meyers, cheer coach, said. "They really wanted to get that title back."
Meyers, who was hired at the end of the summer, said it's been a exciting and educational time.
"Coming into the season late for cheer leading was tough … we missed that special bonding time and had to jump right into practice. But, we've spent so many hours together, we've bonded. I've learned right along with them this year.
"I'm really proud to have a dedicated team to work with. It's made my job much easier," Meyers said.
"Oh, my gosh, it's been a roller coaster of emotions. It's been exciting. I knew they would perform well. They worked for it. They've shown me they're a great team. They left everything they had on the mats
"Several of the kids have really come together as leaders," Meyers said, adding that not only the seniors, but everyone on the squad has worked hard. She said the team did get a bid for national but this is the end of their season.
"The Pea Ridge School and community can be very proud of the hard work and commitment of our cheer program. New coach Melissa Meyers stepped and provided leadership and stability to a strong program," Rick Neal, superintendent, said. "Congratulations to coach Meyers and to the Pea Ridge High School cheerleaders for this outstanding accomplishment."
"We are extremely proud of our cheer squad and coach Meyers. They represent our school and community with pride every time they take the field, court or competition mat. Their hard work and school pride was evident in Hot Springs at the championship," Tony Travis, athletic director, said.
The Arkansas Activities Association State Spirit Championships were held Dec. 21 at Summit arena, Hot Springs. The Arkansas Activities Association State Spirit Championships are conducted to showcase the overall technical, athletic, and competitive readiness of Arkansas high school spirit teams while instilling the value of training, teamwork and sportsmanship.
General News on 12/25/2013