After a five year break, the BIC cheer squad has returned to cheer competitions in a big way, earning the title of 2A State Champions. On December 19, 2025 at Hot Springs, our cheerleaders placed first in the competition, surprising many of the cheerleaders themselves at their ability to return to competition form after such a long hiatus. For most of our cheerleaders, it was their first time competing, but a few were back in their element.
The team saw a change in coaching this year, as math teacher Mrs. Alexis Stone stepped into the title of head cheer coach after serving as the assistant coach for one season. After a long year spent working on morning practices and perfecting stunts, Mrs. Stone knew her girls were ready for their biggest competition yet. “I knew that they could do it, and never doubted them for a second,” said Stone.
Not all members of the squad mirrored Coach Stone’s confidence, however. “At our first competition we had to change up a few things before we went out, so I was very nervous about that,” explained Senior backspot and tumbler Adelyn Smith. “We have to make sure we’re constantly encouraging each other, and make sure that we’re getting everything done; not just the big things. Afterward, it was amazing to know that everything that we worked for had paid off,” said Smith.
Many of the older cheerleaders on the squad haven’t had a long break from cheer competitions, as they have been participating in competition with teams outside of school. One such student, Senior backspot Autumn McGhee, has participated in competitive cheer for most of her life, and said that cheering with BIC was an easy transition for her. “The routines we do for competitions in school cheering require that you have to have a cheer within the routine, not just dancing and stunting. You have to include a portion where you chant for your school. I think that’s harder because stunting while screaming is tough. You’re out of breath when you’re yelling,” said McGhee. “I’m glad I transitioned to cheering for our school for my Senior year because I wanted to do something new.”
After a stellar performance that earned an impressive score, the squad learned that they had earned the title of State Champions. Freshman flyer Kylee Navarro said that she was shocked when she learned they won. “I thought all of the other teams did really well, and I didn’t think that we were the best ones. We did have a really tight routine, though, and our stunts were clean,” said Navarro.
With several cheerleaders returning to the team next year, the squad hopes to continue their success. “Next year we’re definitely going to work on more strength training and more difficult skills,” said Coach Stone. While repeating as State Champions is an arduous task, the upcoming cheer squad will be putting their best foot forward, and will forever hold this valuable memory.
