State bound: All four local high school competitive cheer squads advance

Competitive cheerleading in Bartow County has a strong tradition of success and all four local schools proved that true once again with each squad advancing to this weekend’s state competitions at the Columbus Civic Center

Adairsville won Region 6AAA for the first time ever and has automatically qualified for the state championship competition on Saturday.

The Tigers, coached by Kaylie Noe, are led by seniors Addison Mealer, Katie Mulkey, Emily Abernathy, Brissa Perez, and captain Brooke Bishop.

Cass advanced to the state sectionals by placing third in Region 7AAAAA. Coach Brooke McDurmon’s squad overcame multiple injuries during the season, but the Colonels were led by Ashlie Swanson and Zoe Bryson with flier Yahaira Hernandez stepping up late in the season to round out the squad.

Woodland, competiting in the co-ed division, is the defending state champions and placed fifth last weekend to advance to the state championship round.

Coach Kathi Shedd points to leadership from captains Andy Johnson and Chloe Hendricks along with seniors Kaitlyn Honaker and Ryanne Ritch on an otherwise youthful squad.

Cartersville qualified for the Class AAAA sectionals with a fourth place finish at the Region 5AAAA meet. The Hurricanes finished behind Cedartown, Chapel Hill, and Troup County at region.

Sectionals are Friday in Columbus. The state championship round for the top 16 teams in each division will be Saturday.