VHS Cheer State Champs

Courtesy of VHS

In their first year of appearing in the GHSA Game Day Cheer Championships, the Vidalia High School Indians brought home the gold, as Vidalia won the A/AA State Championship in Macon on Saturday. The Championship, the third State Championship in six years for the Vidalia Cheer Team, solidifies Vidalia as one of the top programs in the state, and Head Coach Ann Michelle Toole said, “We are so proud of the team’s growth this season and we are ecstatic with the outcome.” The Vidalia team was one of 17 teams in the A/AA division heading into the competition, with the top 9 advancing to the Finals Saturday afternoon. Vidalia qualified in 2nd place with a score of 196.35, 7.1 points behind Commerce after qualifying. “We felt really good about our Preliminary performance, which is what earned us a spot in Finals,” added Toole. “One of the biggest differences between Competitive and Game Day Cheer is having the opportunity to make adjustments prior to the Finals,” Toole said. “After receiving the judge’s feedback, we had a short time to make improvements. The team adapted to the changes and the judges awarded their efforts.”

Toole, who, along with Julie Spivey and Harley Paradice, coach the Game Day squad, said, “Our intention in competing at Game Day was to push our kids to take ownership of and improve their skills for the sidelines. This win helps promote the value of the skills needed for being a great sideline team member.”

VHS edged out Commerce in the finals to take home the trophy. Jeff Davis took third place, Schley County was fourth, and Bowdon High was fifth.