On Feb. 19, the Fenton High varsity competitive cheerleading team became District Champions for the first time. The team, after their accomplishment of last year’s win, made the goal of trying to get to states. 

“Our goal was to win districts again this year,” sophomore Libby Pattan said. “It was a surreal moment and I didn’t expect us to win after seeing how good the runner-up (Bay City Western) was.” 

After winning, the team was able to compete in the Michigan High School Athletic Association regional competition. 

“Many things go into competitions,” junior Libby Woodard said. “The main component of each competition is dedication and teamwork. We all work together to ensure that each and every girl on the team is fully prepared to compete to their best ability. Overall the biggest thing about competitions is that everyone is enjoying what they’re doing and having fun.” 

At the district competition, the girls ended round one with a score of 226.1— the highest round-one score of the night. The Tigers had less than a five-point lead entering the third and final round, but their third-round performance placed them first in the competition. 

“It was such an extraordinary feeling when my teammates and I found out that all our hard work had paid off,” Pattan said. “Winning districts is probably my favorite memory from Fenton cheer. Celebrating with my teammates after the scores were announced will be stuck in my head for a long time.” 

After placing first in districts, the team headed to regionals on Feb. 26, where they ended up not placing and their season came to an end. 

“Sadly this competition did not end how we wanted or how we thought it would end,” senior Aubrey Yager said. “As a team, we really wanted to make it to states this year and we thought it was a possibility, but I am super proud of my team for a great season this year.” 

After the team’s loss at regionals, the Fenton competitive cheer team season came to an end. The girls were able to take home their first district championship win but came up short at regionals.