Cheerleading Teams Gear Up for the OSAA State Championships

The fall season has been a whirlwind for cheerleading teams across the state, packed with football games, competitions, and non-stop training. Teams have already participated in key events such as the OCCA All-State Competition and the OCCA Game Day Championships, but their journey is far from over. High school cheerleaders are now focusing on state qualifying competitions through the winter, all while continuing to support basketball games and other school sports. The commitment and drive of these athletes never waver.

In October, the OCCA All-State Competition at South Albany High School crowned a new batch of individual champions, alongside some familiar faces. Mikayla Van Order from Santiam Christian, Mya Jones from Westview, and Blake McKinnis from Gladstone claimed their first titles, while returning champions Hailey Albinio from Newport and Addy Pickles from Lebanon added to their collection of wins.

The competition also saw fierce battles in the stunt divisions. Tualatin’s cheerleaders dominated, winning both the Partner and Coed Stunt categories, while Sweet Home secured the 4/3/2/1A division. Lebanon continued their streak with a third consecutive title in the 5A division, and Newberg impressively extended their 12-year reign in the 6A group stunt division.

The action continued in November with the OCCA Game Day Championships at Sherwood High School. Teams from all divisions fought hard to claim the top spot, with Jefferson (3/2/1A), Gladstone (4A), Churchill (5A Small), Thurston (5A Medium/Large), David Douglas (6A Small), Westview (6A Medium), Lakeridge (6A Large), and Roosevelt (Stomp) taking home titles. Jefferson, Churchill, and Thurston are now gearing up to defend their Game Day titles at the OSAA Game Day State Championships in February.

As the state qualifying events draw to a close, teams are intensifying their efforts, with some looking to defend their titles and others eager to claim new championships.

In the Game Day divisions, reigning champions Baker are holding strong in the 4/3/2/1A division, but Scio is making a strong push to reclaim their former title. The 6/5A division has seen a shift, as last year’s champions are absent, leaving the door open for the 2023 Co-Champions, Central and Thurston, to battle for the top spot once again.

In the Traditional divisions, Yamhill-Carlton, last year’s 3/2/1A champions, are in a tight race to retain their title, with Santiam Christian proving to be a formidable challenger. The 4A division is shaping up to be a head-to-head showdown between Newport and Sweet Home, who finished first and second, respectively, last year. It will come down to the performance they bring to the mat in February.

Crescent Valley dethroned Lebanon as 5A state champions last year, and the rivalry between these two teams is set to continue, with another close race expected. Newberg is eyeing their 12th state title in the 6A Small division, but with several strong contenders, the competition is fierce.

Gladstone, the reigning 4/3/2/1A Coed champions, continue to dominate their division, but eight other teams are working tirelessly to take home the coveted blue trophy. McMinnville, always a strong contender, will return to defend their title in the 6/5A Coed division, but Tualatin, who has placed second the last two years, is looking to claim the top spot this season.

The 6A Large division has a new champion, West Linn, who will return to defend their title. However, Westview has rejoined the division and is determined to take the title back.

With just two weeks remaining until the 2025 OSAA State Cheerleading Championships, former champions are looking to finish on top, but the rise of new contenders will ensure an exciting conclusion to the season.