For the first time in more than a decade, the Mt. Healthy Eagles took top honors at the 21st annual Elementary Basketball League Super Saturday cheer competition. As more than 700 spectators watched, squads from 11 grade schools took part in the afternoon competition at the Columbus North gymnasium. Right behind the Eagles were the Parkside Pirates in second place, followed by the Schmitt Rockets who took third place honors. Although tears, smiles and shocked faces abounded when the Mt. Healthy cheerleader win was announced, most said they felt they were really worked hard for the victory, and were overdue for a win. “We practiced a lot!” exclaimed Mt. Healthy cheerleader Gabrielle Rupert. “Our last three practices on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday lasted until 5:30. And then, they had us practice again (Saturday morning) right before we came here.” Squad members had worked together for more than 150 hours since the start of the school year, according to co-coach Karmen Riley. The cheerleaders practiced extensively on tumbling, conditioning, stunting, motion technique and jumps while expressing spirit, enthusiasm, and confidence all at the same time. As for the coach, Riley said she was very nervous before the competition because some of her girls had never performed before such a large crowd. “I thought a few might freeze up under the pressure, but they didn’t,” Riley said. “I was so proud of them when they hit their routine, it gave me goosebumps.” Organizers say they anticipates the total attendance of all Super Saturday events will be about 3,000 people.
For the first time in more than a decade, the Mt. Healthy Eagles took top honors at the 21st annual Elementary Basketball League Super Saturday cheer competition.
As more than 700 spectators watched, squads from 11 grade schools took part in the afternoon competition at the Columbus North gymnasium.
Right behind the Eagles were the Parkside Pirates in second place, followed by the Schmitt Rockets who took third place honors.
[sc:text-divider text-divider-title=”Story continues below gallery” ]Click here to purchase photos from this gallery
Although tears, smiles and shocked faces abounded when the Mt. Healthy cheerleader win was announced, most said they felt they were really worked hard for the victory, and were overdue for a win.
“We practiced a lot!” exclaimed Mt. Healthy cheerleader Gabrielle Rupert. “Our last three practices on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday lasted until 5:30. And then, they had us practice again (Saturday morning) right before we came here.”
Squad members had worked together for more than 150 hours since the start of the school year, according to co-coach Karmen Riley.
The cheerleaders practiced extensively on tumbling, conditioning, stunting, motion technique and jumps while expressing spirit, enthusiasm, and confidence all at the same time.
As for the coach, Riley said she was very nervous before the competition because some of her girls had never performed before such a large crowd.
“I thought a few might freeze up under the pressure, but they didn’t,” Riley said. “I was so proud of them when they hit their routine, it gave me goosebumps.”
Organizers say they anticipate the total attendance of all Super Saturday events will be about 3,000 people.
[sc:pullout-title pullout-title=”Winners for the past decade” ][sc:pullout-text-begin]
By year, the 10 most-recent winners of the Elementary Basketball League cheer competition:
2020: Mt. Healthy
2019: CSA-Lincoln
2018: Richards
2017: Parkside
2016: Richards
2015: Parkside
2014: Parkside
2013: CSA-Lincoln
2012: Southside
2011: Schmitt
[sc:pullout-text-end][sc:pullout-title pullout-title=”Above and Beyond winners” ][sc:pullout-text-begin]
One cheerleader from each of the 11 competing elementary schools was chosen to receive the eighth annual "Above and Beyond" award.
The plaques are presented to student-athletes who exemplify the spirit of the competition for their leadership and sportsmanship in their daily lives, in the classroom, on the court and in the community. Honored were:
Clifty Creek – A.J. Goddard
CSA Lincoln – Lily Miller
Parkside – Betty Grafelman
Rockcreek – Leila King
Smith – Emmah Horn
Taylorsville – Annabelle Andrus
CSA Fodrea – Brianna Isaacs
Mt. Healthy – Sydnee Munn
Richards – Lydia Cook
Schmitt – Rihanna Blizzard
Southside – Marina Braga
[sc:pullout-text-end][sc:pullout-title pullout-title=”For more photos” ][sc:pullout-text-begin]
For more photos of the cheer competition, see Page A5 in today’s edition or visit therepublic.com for a photo gallery.
[sc:pullout-text-end]
