The Junior Huskies cheerleading team wrapped up a season full of victories, top performances, and a prestigious accolade as one of the top youth cheering teams in the nation.

It all began for the Junior Huskies back in February as the team won the Recreation Division to advance on to the regional competitions that were held in six different regions throughout the country. There were two southern regionals, one Orlando, Fla., and the other in Baton Rouge, La. The western regional took place in Las Vegas, Nev., while the mid-west regional happened in Cincinnati, Ohio. The other two regionals were held in Virginia Beach, Va., and Kansas City, Mo.

For the Junior Huskies, Virginia Beach would be the destination along with several other cheer groups in over 100 different divisions for cheer and dance teams. With a spot in the U.S. Finals ranking on the line, the Junior Huskies put on a flawless performance on the biggest stage and with some of the top competitors in the region.

“There were 10 teams in our division that we competed against, and they were tough competition,” said coach Amanda Elliott.

Ashe finished behind a team from Richmond, Va. and West Carroll, Md.

The U.S. Finals ranked all the teams to crown a national champion on May 23. The Ashe Junior Huskies placed 3rd nationwide out of all the teams competing in the Limited Intermediate Youth Recreation/Elementary School Division.

The final ranking show can be watched online at www.theusfinals.com. Then click on the Final 2010 U.S. Rank webcast and look for the Rec and School Cheer Divisions video to see the Junior Huskies get chosen as a top cheer squad in the nation.

“I cannot explain how proud I am of the girls and how they represent not only Ashe County but North Carolina as well. Their ranking speaks for itself,” said Coach Elliott.

These girls will be right back cheering in the coming months as the sound of football pads and helmets colliding will echo across the county and the cheerleaders will be there each and every game supporting their respective youth football teams.