Local cheer squads find success at cheer camps, 10 All-Americans in total

ALBUQUERQUE — The Universal Cheer Association held a cheer champ at the Embassy Suites in Albuquerque July 20-23, featuring numerous cheer squads, including Rio Rancho and Cleveland high school squads.

UCA cheer camps are training programs for cheerleaders and focus on learning and refining cheers, stunts, dances, pyramids and building leadership skills.

The camps are run by certified UCA staff and feature a variety of awards, including ribbons, spirit sticks and more.

Cleveland High School“The entire Cleveland cheer program attended this camp (C-Team, JV and Varsity),” Cleveland cheer head coach Maddison Weaver said. “Throughout camp, teams learn performances that they showcase on the final day to friends and family, and there is an awards ceremony afterward.”

The Storm C-team swept the events, coming in first place in cheer, spirit overall and camp routine.

Storm JV took first place in cheer, first place in spirit overall, third place in camp routine, and brought home the “Top Banana,” which is a prestigious award given to the team who shows the most energy and spirit. On the final day of camp, the Top Banana goes home with the school who showed the most energy throughout camp.

“The Banana is a big deal in the cheer world,” Weaver said.

The Storm varsity squad took first place in cheer, second place in spirit overall, second place in camp routine, they received the Banana on the first day of camp, were the recipients of the “traditions award,” and had seven of their cheerleaders selected for a “Pin it Forward” pin.

“UCA has a program called ‘Pin it Forward,’ which is where staff picks one athlete on each team who stands out as a leader and they give them two pins. The athlete keeps one and selects someone on another team who they saw leadership qualities in. We are incredibly proud that seven of our athletes were selected for ‘Pin it Forward’ awards by both staff and other athletes,” Weaver said.

At the end of camp, the Cleveland cheer squad had two seniors receive All-American honors: Logyn Vogel and Kayleigh Celaya.

Rio Rancho High School“Our athletes came together exceptionally this year at UCA Summer Camp in Albuquerque,” RRHS head coach Nate Batista said. “Their energy, precision and teamwork really stood out in group choreography, stunt work and sideline material.”

The Rams also brought all three teams and came home with a lot of UCA hardware.

“It was also incredible to have all three teams — C-Team, JV and varsity — at camp this year, truly showcasing the unity and strength of our program,” Batista said.

The Rams brought home multiple spirit sticks, several ribbons for placing in various performances, and won the coveted Top Banana on the third day of camp.

“This experience has sparked a real flame in our athletes. With so many talented underclassmen, we’ve only just begun to see what this group is capable of. We’re proud of their growth and dedication — and we’re already looking ahead to a strong season with state title goals in mind,” Batista said.

The RRHS cheer squad had four Rams receive All-American honors: Jaselle Sanchez, Sophia Romero, Reice Lujan and Talicia Barrett.

“Being named a UCA All-American has always been a dream of mine in my life. This sport has brought me so many great opportunities, including becoming an All-American cheerleader, and I couldn’t do that without a positive mindset, hard work and the passion to better myself not only for me but for my team. Being an All-American cheerleader to me means to bring spirit and represent who I am not only as a cheerleader but as a person to my community and show the world how important kindness is in everything you do,” Barrett said.

Bernalillo High SchoolThe Bernalillo Spartans did not attend the UCA camp this year. However, they did attend the Spirit Xpress West, and the Spartans had four athletes recognized with all All-American honors: Isaac Baca, Josiah Lopez, Diamond Martinez and Briana Sotelo.

“They have been invited to attend and participate in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade with Spirit America,” Bernalillo cheer head coach Jennifer Jaramillo said.