Over the weekend, Baldwin’s competitive cheer team made it to finals of the national tournament for the first time in four years, finishing in 15th place overall.
The Highlanders excelled through their preliminary and semifinal rounds. They placed 15th in the final round with a total score of 91.6 in the Large D1 division.
The performance consists of the team performing their game day routine, which includes a wipeout dance, a chant, their school cheer, and their fight song.
Senior Brooklyn Lucas said that teams are scored on their execution, difficulty, excitement, and if there were any mistakes present within the routine.
“We placed 15th in the nation, which is a huge achievement,” Lucas said. “Baldwin hasn’t made it to finals in the past four years.”
Lucas said the Highlanders studied other teams’ performances to increase their skill and appeal to the judges.
Freshman Riya Nadik performed particularly well, junior Leah Moeller said.
“Her signs got thrown off the mat and she still managed to do everything correctly, Moeller said.
Moeller says their chant is their strongest point, and helps them get ahead against other teams.
Still, the team could have been sharper, Moeller said.
“We struggle to keep the energy up throughout the team,” Moeller said.
