If you have ever attended a football or basketball game, you have probably seen our Sam Barlow High School Cheer team performing on the sidelines or during halftime. However, our Cheer team doesn’t only perform during games or events. While they boost our school spirit and keep our crowd engaged, the Cheer team also spends the entire year preparing for multiple competitions against other schools across Oregon. This takes a large amount of dedication, including morning practices, strength training, and a lot of time spent learning to perfectly execute their stunts and tumbling passes.
While most people were focusing on celebrating Valentine’s Day, our team was focused on facing off against 11 talented programs and schools across Oregon. On February 14, 2026, our cheer team had its state competition at Oregon City High School. Gracie Bertalot, a sophomore on varsity cheer, said, “My first varsity cheer competition was so much pressure to do good, but after I finished, it was the best feeling ever and was so much fun. I wouldn’t have wanted this season to go any other way!” When the results were announced, the team proudly took 6th place overall in the state competition. The Cheer team always called each other family, and with these results, they have proven they have the teamwork and hard work to earn their placement.
Angie Blare, the cheer coach, said that in the competitions, the teams are scored on their overall routine. That includes their tumbling, jumps, motions, and showmanship. At state, they did a Traditional routine, where they had a cheer/motion section and a music section. They also had their own custom mix by their choreographer, Tara Mahoney. Bertalot said that they added a stunt pyramid and an elite stunt that were very important parts of the routine. The girls ended up earning their highest scores of the entire season and received zero deductions, which in cheer is called “hitting zero.” Bertalot also mentioned that before they step on the mat for competitions, they stand together and say positive things, making sure they are confident and ready. They also put their hands in and say “CASH!” which stands for coachable, adaptable, strong, and hungry.
One thing that both Coach Blare and Bertalot mentioned is that what’s most important in cheer is the trust they have for each other and their confidence. Coach Blare said, “We worked on our team culture—staying coachable, adaptable, and supportive of each other. By the time we stepped onto the mat, the girls trusted their training and trusted each other.” Coach Blare is showing that confidence and trust allow the team to be exceptional in competitions.
Bertalot also confirmed that having faith in each other is important. “Mentally, I try to tell myself, ‘I can do it’ and other positive things. I had a super supportive team that would help me mentally feel better! They gave me so much confidence and lots of great talk on the mat. Especially including my seniors, Callie Keenan and Alexa Eldridge!” Their bond is also proven in the team’s hype song, “Can’t tell me nothing” by Kanye West.
Overall, Varsity Cheer worked hard and was dedicated to earning 6th place and hit zero. Morning practices, strength training, and time spent perfecting their stunts and tumbling passes all paid off. Our cheerleaders did an amazing job at their state competition, and if you are interested in joining cheer, tryouts are on May 2 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
