It was a special season for LaGrange
Published 12:00 am Tuesday, November 17, 2015
COLUMBUS – Mission accomplished.
As the LaGrange High cheerleading team began a new season, the main goal was to earn a spot in the state finals in Columbus.
LaGrange made that happen.
After a strong performance in the state sectional on Friday, LaGrange was one of 16 teams participating in the state finals.
LaGrange delivered another terrific routine in the finals to finish 11th in Class AAAAA.
“They’ve had a mission all year. Their mission honestly is to make it to state,” LaGrange coach Stephanie Hall said. “Class AAAAA in the cheerleading world is extremely difficult. There are some very talented teams. We knew going in it would be difficult. They had had perfect routines both days. They were excited. We couldn’t ask for anything more.”
LaGrange made to the state sectional by finishing third in the Region 1-AAAAA competition.
At the sectional, the Grangers needed to finish eighth or higher to move on to the state finals, and they ended up placing sixth.
LaGrange did in dramatic fashion by posting a historic score.
“We had the highest score ever in LaGrange High School history,” Hall said. “And (in the finals), our goal was to match that, and we missed it by one point. We were tickled. It was phenomenal. We were really proud.”
Hall said the team made dramatic strides from the beginning of the season.
“They’ve just set goals throughout the season where they were trying to beat their own scores,” Hall said. “Their scores climbed over 50 points from the beginning of the season. And they’re a young team, so hopefully we’re going to work hard, and they’ve got a bright future for sure.”
As satisfying as this season was, Hall said no one is satisfied.
“We’re building,” she said. “We’re going to get there. Now, the kids have big goals. This year, their goal was to get to state. It’s pretty exciting to set new goals now.”
TEAM MEMBERS: Ally Arrington, Yaigkirhiata Benn, Chloe Bishop, Hayley Brazell, Tijuana Brooks, Brittney Bruton, Javiyana Burden, Kennedy Burks, Sarah Kate Cadenhead, Carly’se Carter, Callye Ann Chastain, Emily Cindrick, Sally Elder, Jasmine Guy, Sierra Hall, Madison Howard, Kaitlyn Kuhn, Katelin Rippy, Macie Traylor, Emma Ward and Maurie White.
Reach Kevin Eckleberry at (706) 884-7311 or on Twitter @lagrangesports
