All of the pre-state qualifying events are complete, and the OSAA cheerleading championships is next on the agenda.
For the first time in history, the championships is a two-day even, Feb. 9-10 at Oregon City High School. Game Day divisions are set to compete on Friday evening and Traditional divisions will compete on Saturday. To access the performance order, click here.
In the Game Day divisions, last year's 4A/3A/2A/1A champion, Scio, has returned to defend its title. However, The Dalles, Westside Christian, and Baker have scored high enough to be true contenders against the Loggers.
Last year's 6A/5A co-champions, Thurston and Central, also have returned to defend their titles, and Thurston has been dominating all season. However, Central and West Salem have continually increased their scores throughout the season with no signs of backing down.
In the 3A/2A/1A division, last year's champion, Rainier, has not returned to the competition, but second-place Santiam Christian has shown that it is hungry to bring the state total back home. However, Yamhill-Carlton, Pleasant Hill, and Central Linn are not planning to sit back and let that happen without a fight.
Last year's 4A champions, Gladstone, is competing in the 4A/3A/2A/1A Coed division this year. The Gladiators have been leading in this division all season, but they are looking to be challenged by Junction City and Marshfield. This is a new division, and it will be exciting to see who is the first to claim the championship.
In the 4A division, Newport and Sweet Home been battling it out all season, and Newport has had the edge thus far. However, don’t count the Huskies out, because their scores have continually increased. North Bend and Stayton have also been scoring well and could be contenders.
In the 5A division, Lebanon is back to defend its title, and it has shown no signs of giving it up. However, Caldera, Crescent Valley, Ridgeview and South Albany are hungry, and it is clear in their performances. This promises to be a strong and exciting division to watch.
Two reigning champions, Newberg and Westview, are set to compete against each other in the 6A Small division. Both of these talented programs have earned a combined total of more than 20 state titles over the years, and neither of them look to back down this year. However, Glencoe and Sherwood are working hard to dethrone these champions.
Aloha, Lakeridge and West Linn are working hard to win in the 6A Large division, which was vacated by last year’s champion, Westview. These three teams have battled all season, and it will be exciting to see who lands on top.
The dual between McMinnville and Tualatin is set to continue in the 6A/5A Coed division. Tualatin has been dominant thus far, but reigning champion McMinnville always shows up strong for the state championships. However, these two teams need to keep their eye out for Redmond, which has been scoring higher with each performance.
There will be 97 teams competing for nine state titles on Friday and Saturday. Unless there is a tie, there will be 88 teams walking away without that highly coveted blue trophy.
It will be more important than ever for teams to take the mat with energy and hit a clean routine. With so many divisions expected to be close, it will be exciting to find out who becomes state champions.
