Last week, Ashe County played host to the First Annual High Country Cheerleading Invitational. Due to the organization by Amanda Elliott, and fellow members of the Ashe Youth Cheerleading League, Ashe County Middle School saw twelve different squads, in five age groups, compete last Saturday, November 1.

Three members of the Appalachian State University Cheerleading Squads judged the event.

Competing in the event from Ashe County was the AYCL Titans (3&4 grade), Broncos (3&4 grade), Packers (5&6 grade), and Raiders (5&6 grade), ACMS Competition Squad, and ACHS Competition Squad.

Ashe County had a strong representation in both the crowd and by the cheerleading squads. Combined, the Ashe County squads won nine first place trophies in categories, and three spirit awards. The AYCL Raiders, along with the AYCL Titans both won the Overall Winner for their age group.

“I think every squad performed way above their expected potential,” explained Competition Organizer Amanda Elliott. “Each and every squad did a great job!”

Other teams at the event included: West Wilkes Blackhawks Sertoma, Central Wilkes Middle School, West Wilkes Middle School, West Wilkes JV, Watauga JV, East Wilkes Varsity, and West Wilkes Varsity.

The crowd at Ashe County Middle School filled the entire bleachers.

“I was really excited with the turnout, the gym was packed,” continued Elliott. “I think it was a full house and I was tickled with that, especially with it being the first year we have held the event.”

The First Annual High Country Cheerleading Invitational allowed teams that usually do not get to compete in events, to be able to see what competition is like. East Wilkes in the past has not been competitive in cheerleading, but their school permitted them to compete in competition, and that is one reason that Amanda Elliott started organizing the event.

“I wanted to give squads, especially the younger squads, an opportunity to see what competing is like. Many squads are unable to compete in competitions, and this gives the squads something to work for.”

Elliott wanted to express her thanks to the generosity and support of numerous local businesses, Ashe County Middle School for the use of their facilities, the Ashe Youth Cheerleading League Board, the Volunteer Event Staff, and the teams that participated in the competition. Elliott plans to make this a yearly event, tentatively scheduled for the first Saturday of every November.

Please see page 2B for results and more pictures from the

Competition