On Saturday, March 6, the 24th Annual NVAC Cheerleading Competition took place. Cheerleading competitions look different this year, since all teams who are interested in competing submit a recording of their routine rather than going to the school that hosts the in-person competitions.  

Traditionally, a competition routine consists of a vocalized cheer with motions, tumbling passes dedicated to running gymnastics skills, partner stunts, a dance and a stunt pyramid. This year, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, The Vermont’s Principals’ Association has made it so there are no vocalized cheerleading routines and no stunting. 

Rutland High School took first place at the NVAC Competition, while Elite Gems Cheerleading, a cheer gym located in St. Albans, achieved 4th place; both teams are in the large varsity division.

The Bellows Free Academy Varsity cheerleading team were scheduled to participate in the competition as well, but ended up not submitting a recording of their routine. 

“I feel like [the season] was rushed, but it definitely had its upsides,” Elite Gems cheerleader Johnny Douglas (‘22) said. 

The VCCA Invitational Virtual Cheerleading Competition took place on Saturday, March 13, with the first place winner in the large varsity division being Rutland High School. Elite Gems took 4th with 95 points, and BFA Varsity claimed 6th with 84.5 points. 

One of the BFA cheer captains, Ava Pinette (‘21), said, “With the competition feeling more optional than competitive, our team joked around much more. Although our team was upset with the limitations, especially me as a senior, we made the best of it…I feel proud of the team for remaining positive and creating a routine to the best of our ability.”