Klein wins NCA Championship

April 15, 2011

VYPE MAGAZINE - North Houston


Klein Cheer wins NCA
By Brittany Downey


The Klein High School cheerleaders traveled to Louisville, Kentucky in March to compete in the National Cheerleading Association (NCA) High School Open Championship.


The team was able to hit their stunts and take the spotlight as Grand Champions along with awards for Best Choreography and Best Partner Stunts.


“We worked all year, but nothing really came together until January,” cheer sponsor Yvette Winship said. “We went and won at a competition and it all clicked for them. Before going to the event, we would invite people to watch us practice like the soccer and basketball teams. Then we went to Kentucky and did awesome.”


The trip to the championship was familiar territory for the seniors, who had watched their older counterparts compete three years ago as freshmen.


“Last year they didn’t win the title, so they were coming in pretty hungry for it,” she said.
“They knew what it took but this time they were leaders, not followers.”


The team was led by captain Lindsey Lau along with leaders Erin Byrne, Chelsea Hebert, Jessie Soliz and Torie Schaffer. The group of seniors has cheered for a total of 46 years, the earliest of them starting their cheerleading career in fourth grade.


The teams that compete in the Advanced Medium category are limited to 20 members. Each member must be well polished in all skill levels including stunts and tumbling.