Photo taken by Coach Samantha Padgett

Fair grove varsity cheer team after state competition, pictured in the photo is (Top row left to right) Aubrie Voorhis, Emma Stolyarchuk, Skylar Farthing, Desiree Labaw, Olivia Phelps, Brooklyn Mauldin, Grace Trehal, and Reese Wells. In the front row (left to right) is Piper logan, Jerry Mcdougal, Hannah Bruner, Avary Austin, Neveah Lahey, Eden Lair, Macy Ahaen, Lizzy Taylor.

On December 12, 2023 the Fair Grove Varsity Cheerleaders competed in a state competition located in Cape Girardeau at Southeast Missouri State University. 

Before the state competition the cheer team had placed second in regionals on October 8th 2023, which would qualify them for the state competition. The girls prepared all summer for regionals and after making it to state the team kept working hard preparing and practicing for their state competition.

Grace Trehal (12) a member of the Fair Grove varsity cheerleading team that competed in the state competition, said, “We practiced Tuesday through Thursday or Friday for two hours each practice until the week before comp. The week of comp we practiced the entire week.” 

Brooklyn Mauldin (11) another member on the varsity cheer team who went to state as well, gave us her perspective on what competing in this competition was like for her, “When we performed it was like adrenaline was pumping through all of us and we were so proud of ourselves.” 

Mauldin then went on to say that, “The team hit everything with no deductions” and added, “We honestly couldn’t have performed a cleaner routine.” 

Trehal mentioned that it was very exciting getting to compete at state since she had never competed before and she was happy to get to be with her team. 

Out of the 12 other teams competing, Fair Grove’s varsity cheerleading team placed 4th. Mauldin stated that when she and the team received their place in state, “Our team was grateful that we placed higher, and we were just proud that we did the best we could.” 

Mauldin shared her favorite memories from state, “My best memory from state was definitely running around with the other girls in the hotel and hugging them when we were done and coming off. Our bond is so special and I love my team.” 

Desiree Labaw (10), a member of the cheer team, said, “I think state benefits cheer by helping us bond more as a team. As well as getting more experience. We are able to see and try new things that we have seen from other teams.”

The next event for the varsity Cheerleaders is their courtwarming routine which will be shown on February 9th during a boys basketball home game against Forsyth.