The Columbia High School cheerleaders qualified for the state competition by taking first place in the Civic Memorial ICCA Cheerleading Invitational over the weekend. Pictured, bottom row, from left, are Hannah Longust, Caitie Clasquin, Alaina Meyer, Chloe Alexander, Ali Venegoni, Rachel McWhorter and Emma Marsoun; middle row, Hannah and Sophia Walters, Jordan Peters, Amanda Yochum, Kristen Grosze, Lexi Grabe, Taylor Allen, Rachel Ratajczyk, Daisia Hunter, Wyndi Frisch, Jae Schaffer, Jessica Raney and assistant coach Marla Walters with Eden Peters; back row, coach Robbie Walters, Alyssa Hunsaker, Tony LaFata, and Bailey Bradshaw. (submitted photos)

The Waterloo Junior High School cheerleading squad (above) also competed in the competition, taking third place and qualifying for state. Pictured, bottom row, from left, Morgan Anderson, Hanna Meadors, Sam Hutchinson, Alayna Miller and Kailee Ronat; middle row, Olivia Thaggard, Mariah LaFore, Kaela Osterhage and Anna Hergenroeder; back row, Alison Yearian, Taylor Nelson, Emma Geringer, Emma Snodgrass and Erica Schaab; not pictured, Coach Brittany Huelsman.

The WHS cheerleaders took third place but did not qualify for state. The WHS cheerleaders are competing at the Benton Invitational on Jan. 5th and then both the high school and junior high school teams, along with Columbia, will compete at the Highland ICCA Invitaitonals on Jan. 13th.

Pick up a copy of this week’s paper to see the cheerleaders!