Beachwood Cheerleading Squad Finishes Fourth At Nationals

Submitted by BeachwoodBison.org

Beachwood’s competitive cheerleading squad added an exclamation point to the school’s most successful winter sports season in school history.

The squad, competing this season for the first time in 12 years, placed fourth at Sunday’s Cheer Champion Central Hard Rockin’ Cheer and Dance Championships in Cleveland.

“The girls were a little disappointed,” said cheer coach Colleen Schachtel. “I told the girls, ‘You’re at nationals. We’ve never done this before.’ They have to hold their heads up and take this all in. This was tough. It was a big moment.”

The squad’s run to nationals contributed to a strong showing by the Bison winter sports teams.

Beachwood’s boys’ and girls’ basketball teams both qualified for the Ohio High School Athletic Association’s regional tournament and the wrestling team brought home one gold and one bronze medal from the state tournament.

The girls have their eyes set on competing in the US Nationals in Virginia Beach later this spring if they can secure the funding to make the trip.

Beachwood qualified for the Hard Rockin’ Nationals by winning first place at the Cupid Cheer and Dance Challenge at Chardon High School in February. Their score at that event automatically qualified them for the US Nationals.

Despite falling short of winning the national title, the Bison cheerleaders put their all into their performance.

“Some of the girls were under the weather and not feeling well but they came out and gave it their all,” Schachtel said. “I thought they did better than what they scored.

“It was a really long day but it was such an exciting place to be, the way it was decorated and being down on the floor and on the stage. It was fun, a lot of fun. By the time the girls got on the bus I think it really sunk in. They had a lot of fun.”

The Bison brought home a team trophy and individual medals, which they planned to wear at school on Monday.

“They’re very proud,” Schachtel said.

This week the Bison will practice only once to prepare for a performance on Friday at Nordstrom at the Beachwood Mall.

After that performance the squad will return to its normal two to three days per week practice schedule to fine-tune its routine for the pending US Nationals.

For photos and video from the squad's performance, visit beachwoodbison.org.