Holding their heads high after a strong 12th-place national finish, the HHS competition cheer team returned from their first-ever appearance at the National High School Competition Cheer Championship at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida from Feb. 7 to 10.
Their dynamic routine, which incorporated dance, stunting and props, received high praise from the judges, coaches and supporters. While they narrowly missed the top ten, their precision and energy shined throughout their performance.
“I was super proud of us that we went out and performed in a completely new environment,” said senior and team captain Camille Reidinger. “There were so many unexpected factors.”
The team had only performed at the state and regional level before the national championship in venues with significantly fewer attendees and competition.
Beyond performing in front of 12,000 spectators, the team contended with intense lighting conditions that affected their vision. The stage they performed on shined bright, neon lights at the performers that the team had not previously been exposed to. Despite the overwhelming nature of their first national competition, the Patriots made the experience memorable.
“I’ve been stunting with them all year, so just ending that routine, pulling that stunt down, and then all of us hugging was such a special moment,” Reidinger reflected.
The road to Nationals was paved with challenges, including competing against top teams at state and regionals, navigating critiques from various judges and enduring an 11-hour bus ride. The team’s success is also a testament to the dedicated coaching staff who instilled the drive for perfection.
Cheer coach Rachel Loughney, who has led the competition team since its founding four years ago, describes her coaching style as “constructive.” She credits the team’s achievements to the combined efforts of her athletes and fellow coach, Devarus James.
“We wanted to expose them to the different types of cheerleading,” Loughney said. “Coach James and I coach very differently sometimes.”
In his first year at Homewood High School, James has already made a significant impact, helping guide the team to the national stage.
“He is just the best,” Loughney commented.
While the athletes had higher expectations for the championship, they acknowledged the value of the experience itself.
Reidinger stated, “It obviously wasn’t our best…it was okay for our first time”.
With more experience under their belts, a national title is certainly within reach for the Homewood Patriots competition cheer team as they continue to grow the program in upcoming years.
