The Weber High Warrior cheerleading team can add a new notch to their belt: State Champion.

In late January, the cheer team swept through their region competition to earn a ticket to the State show at Copper Hills High School. Judging came down to dancing, tumbling, stunting, pyramids, crowd involvement, overall execution, and even their use of signs. The teams were to perform the same routine from region, but due to last-minute injuries, Weber had to adjust. Naturally, the team was nervous for state, and the final results. Michelle Meyer, head coach, said, “When they introduced this team as First in State, we all about lost our minds.”

Rilei Woodward, team captain, takes it a step further. “State is a huge accomplishment,” says Woodward, “but I think working together, learning to come together, and doing it for each other feels way better than any trophy or title.”

Maureen Grover, another coach, said, “I think the advantage we had came down to three things: difficulty of our routine, strong character from this year’s challenges, and team unity.” Grover noted that because Weber’s routine was the most difficult of all teams at regional and state, “our point total was higher to begin with, which gave us a little cushion to make a few, small errors.” On top of that, Grover adds, “This team is extremely talented with their tumbling and stunting, which allows us to do hard things.”