RALEIGH – Completing their competition circuit this winter, the Richmond Senior High School cheerleading squad ended on a high note over the weekend.
Richmond cheerleaders took the floor for the third time in the past two months, this time as part of the North Carolina Cheerleading Coaches Association state championships on Saturday.
Held at North Raleigh Christian Academy, the Lady Raiders competed against other teams from across the state.
At the end of the day, Richmond won second overall in the Small Varsity Division I Non-Tumble division.
Coach Meredith Hood said there are six teams in the division and Richmond “lost by less than two points” to Franklin High School.
Members of this year’s cheerleading squad are: seniors Caden Hood, Akira Jackson, Madisyn Locklear, Tatum Rhyne, Sanajia Tillman and Abby Williams; juniors Sophia Chavis, Natalie Meacham and Lexi Medlin; sophomores Nevaeh Harris, Kylie Hood and Mattie Moss; and first time Jada Scott.
Richmond took home its second runner-up finish this season, also taking runner-up at the Sandhills Athletic Conference competition in November.
The Lady Raiders also competed in the North Carolina High School Athletic Association state championships in December, but did not place.
Hood said the team was able to put together a strong performance because “we didn’t have to wait 30 minutes after warmups to do it like we did in December.”
“The girls did well with everything,” Hood said. “Our stunt teams did well and our cheer was really good. I think the girls were really confident after a good week of practice. Many other teams were complimentary of our stunts.
“All of our girls have improved throughout the season,” she concluded. “From the first competition, we worked on the timing and it was not a problem (on Saturday). Everyone is much stronger and in shape because of all the repetitions in practice, and it paid off.”
Although the competition season is over for Richmond, the Lady Raiders continue to cheer on the basketball teams. A pep rally is planned for the Friday before senior night.
Sports editor’s note: Official competition results were not available at the time of publication. Video courtesy of Errol Hood.
