West Harrison Cheer wins 3rd national championship in five years
The West Harrison High Cheer program is a national dynasty after winning another Universal Cheerleaders Association National Title this past weekend.
Coach Heather Serpas said, “They went from being underdogs to coming back and winning and it was just, I mean a great accomplishment. We just try to instill that winning mindset and tell them that it is possible and you are the best.”
West Harrison cheer now has three national titles in the last five years. Cheer Captain Jaclyn Powers said, “There’s no way to honestly describe it. You just have to live it. I remember my first year that we did win, I was like ‘oh my gosh. I want to feel this again.’”
The road to victory did come with adversity as the cheer squad left day two of competition behind, looking to avoid a previous 2nd place finish from last year’s competition. Cheer Captain Daisy Parker said, “It motivated us. It didn’t really drag us down. Just because we knew we had it in us to do, like give a better routine. The first day was not our best routine. And the coaches knew that we knew that.”
“Like we came back more driven, like winning again. Like it felt so amazing, like a weight lifted off our shoulders.”
As for the dynasty of excellence the Hurricanes have built: “We had a season of zero deductions, which is amazing. I don’t think that’s ever happened. We practice all year for that one time on the mat. So, if you mess up, I mean, that was your chance you don’t get to do over. So, it’s really hard to go out there and get zero deductions and to do it at every competition we’re at this year, it’s just amazing.”
“Like when it comes down to it, they will put your work in and they will take your words to heart and like fix what the need to fix and put on a show for you.”
The team arrived back on Monday with the support of family and friends.
