Cedartown Middle cheer team wins 2nd at Pepperell competition

The Cedartown Middle School Competition Cheerleaders, coached by Grace McLaine and LeAnna Morton, are off to a winning start to the season after picking up a pair of trophies from their opening events of the season.

Over the past few weekends, the team has placed third out of 10 teams at the Coosa Classic on Sept. 9 and placed second out of 11 teams at the Pepperell Classic on Sept. 16.

The CMS Competition team is composed of fourteen girls, which places them in the small division category. There are four eighth graders, six seventh graders, and four sixth graders on the squad.

So far the squad has faced larger division squads in both competi- tions, but have proven that hard work and determination pay off according to their coaches.

“These girls are tough,” said Morton. “They have worked long and hard hours since the start of summer and August months, and it is showing when they step out on that blue mat each Saturday.”

The coaches said they feel they are not only coaching these girls the foundations of competitive cheerleading, but they are also teaching them life skills and how to work as a team.

“This season has been of great challenges and thus far great rewards. I am a big believer that sports teach young minds more life skills than they can learn anywhere else at their age,” said McLaine. “I push these girls to face adversity in hopes that their hard work will pay off, and so far, it has.”

Both coaches cannot express enough how proud they are of this team.

Competitions are not the only thing these girls have experienced this season. They also cheered during half-time at the University of Georgia’s recent game against Appalachian State.

The team performed a quick dance that was choreographed by UCA.

“That was a once in a life-time opportunity and I hope they truly enjoyed themselves,” McLaine siad.

The Cedartown Middle School competition cheerleaders have three more events they’ll be taking part in this season.