Baldwin’s competitive cheer team earned two first-place finishes and two bids to nationals in its  first competition of the season in Columbus, Ohio.

The team placed first place in the mat division and tied for first place for their game day routine at Olentangy Orange High School. 

Senior Ava Wodarek said the team competed well. 

“Everyone did what they were supposed to and accomplished the goals that we set for this competition,” Wodarek said. Senior Ava Vavro said the team did a good job despite being nervous for the competition.

“We ended up doing better than we hoped for since it’s so early in the season,” Vavro said.

Wodarek also feels that the team could improve in different parts of their routine. 

“We can add in more difficulty and keep our energy higher throughout our cheer,” Wodarek said.

Vavro said two new freshman fliers – Addy Scurry and Carly Dowhy – performed well.

“This was their first time competing and they impressed us,” Vavro said. 

The Highlanders will be competing at Slippery Rock next Sunday. 

“We’re hoping to add more difficulty to our routine and show more confidence on the mat,” Vavro said.