Saint John Vianney’s Varsity cheerleading team won the National Cheerleading competition in Dallas, Texas on Sunday, Jan. 24. They were also awarded Best Use of Tumbling and Stunting Skills.

After the team had attended the Nationals competition in Kentucky annually, they began working towards their bigger goal, Dallas. Due to the popularity of cheerleading in Texas, the Dallas Nationals is even more competitive and cutthroat. Luckily, the team received an invitation to the Dallas competition at their summer camp due to their consistent hard work and outstanding performance.

The team set out on their trip to attend the competition on Friday, Jan. 22. The team flew four hours by plane and landed in Dallas late Friday night. The girls competed on Saturday and Sunday against the leading cheerleading teams in the country. Saturday’s routine counted for 25% of the competition while Sunday’s performance made up the other 75%. The girls nailed their Sunday routine with no mistakes, adding many points to their total score. Knowing that their competition was just as talented as they were, the St. John Vianney cheerleaders entered the awards ceremony with anxious hope.

As the announcer announced second place, a sigh of relief came from the team, knowing that they were still in the running for first place.The girls stood together, anticipating for what the announcer was about to say. Screams of happiness came from the girls as their name was said over the speakers. The girls celebrated as their trophy and banner were brought out.

This weekend of perfection had to end with a slight glitch. After the girls had finished celebrating, they were informed that their flights home were cancelled. Due to the school rules and exams, the cheerleaders could not wait for another flight. So, early Monday morning the girls, along with the coaches and some parents, got on a coach bus and prepared for the grueling trip they were about to take. After an endless 30-hour bus ride through the U.S, they finally arrived home Tuesday evening. Despite the troublesome trip home, they were proud to come back with black leather jackets and big trophy they dreamed of.

Their accomplishments are a result of their hard work and devotion to the sport. We wish good luck to the St. John Vianney cheerleading team for the rest of their season and their state competition on March 6.