SportsHigh School Sports

Actions

Walnut Hills cheerleaders to compete at National High School Cheerleading Championship

Posted at 5:06 PM, Nov 17, 2017
and last updated 2017-11-17 17:44:17-05

CINCINNATI -- The Walnut Hills cheer squad has a good reason to shout.

After placing 5th overall in a regional competition, the team became the first Cincinnati public school to receive a bid to compete at the most prestigious cheerleading competition in the country.

The girls will travel to Orlando, Florida to cheer at the National High School Cheerleading Championship in February.

Co-captain Tinia Larkins said being the first squad to make it gives them even more reason to celebrate.

"It's a great opportunity not only for our school, but just setting the stage for cheerleaders to come, so that they can see that this little 'ol school like us in Cincinnati can make it there and be great,” Larkins said.

Co-captain Tre’Sha Younge said everyone fell over and cried when they found out they’d be going to Orlando, but she says now reality is starting to set in.

"We work on the routine basically full out every time,” Younge said.

Head Coach Elyse Hill said the team hopes to raise $11,000 to cover transportation and lodging costs for the 11-girl squad.

The team plans to send out donation and sponsorship letters and sell cookies and ham for the holidays, Hill said.

“We're trying to come up with ideas to raise as much money as possible just so parents don't have to come out of pocket,” Hill said.

Win or lose, Younge says she’s proud of her squad’s heart and spirit.

"It's the experience really, we made it this far,” she said.

If you’d like to help the Walnut Hills Cheer Squad make it to nationals,you can donate here.