Bob Jones Varsity and JV cheer competed at state on Nov. 16th at Wallace State Community College, taking home first place trophies and becoming Class 6A champions.

Assistant coach, Zoe Williams, described their experience at state as “electric.” “They relayed that feeling to the crowd as they entered the arena and the entire crowd became electrified by their spirit and enthusiasm,” she comments.

Last year, James Clemens beat Bob Jones, so when the judges announced that JC had won only 2nd place, the BJ cheerleaders were all in shock, knowing that they had won.

“Losing last year made us discouraged and nobody thought we could actually win,” Varsity Senior, Kathryn Wingenter.

At first they weren’t sure if they had won first place, but they remembered that they hit their routine flawlessly, so there was no doubt in their minds that they wouldn’t win. They ended up beating JC by 14 points. There was a sense of ease when they called BJ Cheer.

“It was great to finally prove to everyone that BJ cheer is the best. You can split us up, but no matter how you cut it we are the best, and now everyone in the state knows it,” Assistant Coach, Zoe Williams.

“Whenever I look back on state, I’ll always remember the feeling of them calling BJ first place,” Kathryn Wingenter. Kathryn was too sick to compete but had a sense of adrenaline as if she were on the mat competing with them.

The girls on the team have a lot of love and support for one another and being at state together, becoming the best cheer team in Alabama, was amazing. “Their skills and determination are impeccable. It is an honor that I get to coach them,” Assistant Coach, Zoe Williams.

We can expect a more difficult routine from Bob Jones Cheer at nationals that will guarantee an amazing chance of them winning in February. Their coach, Dan Harrod, tells them that if they hit a perfect routine then they are sure to win. Nationals is the team’s number one goal at the moment.

“Winning just gives me a sense of pride and knowing that your team achieved your goals is one of the best feelings in the world,” said JV Sophomore, Serena Bukovac.