Fresh faces lifted the 1A competitive cheer state championship trophies on Friday.
Piute and Rich were both gunning for respective 3-peats at UVU, but after a spirited competition, it was Tabiona and Panguitch that left as state champs.
Tabiona finished first in one of three categories to narrowly beat Rich for the 1A all-girl championship, while Panguitch won two of three categories en route to the 1A co-ed title.
“We’ve faced challenges all season, but we never stopped pushing each other. This title means so much because of the journey it took to get here — every early morning and tough practice was worth it. I’m incredibly grateful for our athletes, our coaching staff, and everyone who believed in us," said Panguitch coach Cathy Woolsey.
A year ago, Panguitch finished in third place in the all-girl division. In co-ed this season, it beat runner-up Tintic and Wayne for the title.
Panguitch’s team members are: Berkli Black, Allie Hookham, Sadie Pollock, Jule Kienast, Bella Crofts, Kyzlee Partridge, Max Woolsey, Caleb Cox, Jerzi Johnson, Jerzie Walter, Huxli Black and Eliza Osburn.
Woolsey’s assistant coaches are Ashley Mooney and Chelsea Stewart.
For Tabiona, it finished fourth in the all-girl division a year, but made a huge jump to claim this year’s state title. The Tigers finished first in the Show category, and runner-up to Rich in both the Dance and Cheer categories.
Despite only one category win, Tabiona still topped defending champ Rich for the state title. Monticello finished third.
“We as coaches are just so proud of these girls and all their hard work. They have dedicated countless hours of practice in and out of the gym. They have pushed themselves as a team and individually,” said Tabiona coach Dani Gines.
“These girls not only cheerleading but also play multiple sports and juggle their time and energy so well between them all. We also are so proud of Raegyn Bateman our 2-time state championship jump off winner.”
Members of Tabiona’s team are: Kaydence Clegg, Kayela Gines, Raegyn Bateman, Rylee Curry, A’dree Fabrizio, Khloie Pippy, Swaisey Giles, Trinity Clegg and Kiaya Riddle.
Assistant coaches are Makayla Pippy and Amerie Smith.
Class 1A All-Girl Division
Overall team scores
- Tabiona
- Rich
- Monticello
Sideline/Timeout Dance
- Rich
- Tabiona
- Monticello
Sideline/Timeout Cheer
- Rich
- Tabiona
- Monticello
Show Category
- Tabiona
- Rich
- Monticello
Class 1A Co-Ed Division
Overall team scores
- Panguitch
- Tintic
- Wayne
Sideline/Timeout Dance
- Piute
- Panguitch
- Wayne
Sideline/Timeout Cheer
- Tintic
- Panguitch
- Wayne
Show Category
- Panguitch
- Tintic
- Wayne