Highlands Middle and High School cheer teams traveled to Asheville earlier this month and both squads brought home first place at the Spirit Solutions Spring Classic at the US Cellular Center. Middle School won the Non-tumbling School/Rec category and it was the first time any Highlands team has won first place in the Overall category, which is what the high school squad won.
Highlands High School cheerleaders won best Overall category at the Spirit Solutions Spring Classic in Asheville, N.C. earlier this month.
Head Coach Kristin Huneycutt said both teams worked hard to prepare for this competition, including changing up stunts that weren’t landing in the final week before the competition.
“I told them all week, I didn’t care which team brought it home and the high school did,” said Huneycutt. “Both teams did incredible and they absolutely earned it because the other rec teams we were up against were really good.”
Highlands Middle School cheerleaders won first place for Non-tumbling School/Rec category at Spirit Solutions in Asheville.
It was junior Marilyn Vilerio’s third competition and this time she said they brought their A game.
“A lot of things were much cleaner than our first two competitions,” said Vilerio. “Everybody was a lot more confident. The first competition you could tell we were nervous, people were shaking. Going into the second and third ones, you knew what it would be like.”
Highlands Head Coach Kristin Huneycutt holds the well-earned grand champion banner.
Sophomore Rebekah Wiggins said performing in previous competitions helped everyone to stay focused and know what to expect.
“I think we did really good,” said Wiggins. “I felt like we were more confident, both trusting yourself and your team.”
This is the last competition of the season for Highlands, but cheer tryouts are coming up in May and Wiggins said she’s looking forward to starting a new season.
“I’ll definitely be trying out,” said Wiggins. “I enjoy the friendships you develop, but I also really like the drama.”
Tryouts will be after school on May 6, 8, and 9.
Photos courtesy of Kristin Huneycutt.
Article by Brian O’Shea
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