Indians Capture Class AAA State Cheerleading Title
By Jeff Toquinto on December 11, 2021
Bridgeport High School added to its state championship collection as the cheerleading squad topped seven other schools this evening in Huntington to win the Class AAA title.
It marked the second title for Coach Natalie Hathaway. She helped lead her squad to a title in 2019 in Class AA.
Jefferson finished as the runner-up.
The Indians were able to get the win at the Cam Henderson Center on the campus of Marshall University. The 'AAA' competition was the last of the day.
“This was probably the best I’ve seen them perform this year,” said Hathaway. “There were a few things where they could have done better, but the important thing was they handled the adversity they faced during the routine with composure and didn’t let it distract them from their effort.”
All the squads had a technical cheer as part of the performance. That was followed by a dance routine and the judges determined the winners based off of both.
Hathaway said she felt her squad did solid but had no idea if they were in the running to win. The reason for that was simple.
“It’s kind of tough to know where you stand because we only saw three or four teams perform because you have to get yourself ready,” said Hathaway. “It’s a guessing game as far as how you line up against the rest of the field. I told them not to expect anything from the other teams and just to go out and worry about what they could do. That was the message and I think they heard it.”
The members of this year’s squad consist of seniors Lauran Johnston, Jade Nguyen, Lilly Strait, and Gyllian Wagner. The juniors for the squad are Abigail Davis, Brynna Greathouse, Sallyanna Hamrick, Andie McCall, and Lexi Wilkinson.
This year's sophomores, which is a small group, are Gianna Felosa and Alea Matthis. A large group of freshmen consist of Neveah Brinkley, Jasa Garvin, Ava Kretchmar, Riley Lanza, Lilly Lopez, Olivia Poling, and Mackenzie Reider.
Bridgeport got past Hurricane, Martinsburg, Spring Valley, Wheeling Park, Jefferson, Woodrow Wilson, and George Washington.
“I’m just so happy that the senior got to go out with a title and the kids that never got to experience what it’s like to win a state title were able to do so. I hope this motivates them to do well for next year,” Hathaway ended.
The Indians have earned titles in 1995, 1996, 1998, and 2001. The 1996 title, said Hathaway, was also in Class AAA.
The win was the second title of the day for the Big 10 Conference. Earlier today, Robert C. Byrd won the Class AA title. It marked the seventh title for the Eagles program.
Click HERE for technical cheer peformance.
Click HERE for dance routine.
Editor's Note: Photo by Joe LaRocca.
