Local Youth Cheer Team Brings Home Win from State Championship

Local 11 and under Central Cascade Pop Warner cheer squad, the Rams Emerald, won the 2020 WSCCA Youth Rec Division Championship in Snoqualmie, Wa. The team of 18 girls, ranging from seven to 11 years old, competed under volunteer head coach, Joanna Tepley, and assistant coach, Meagan Vines, against 44 other teams for the victory on January 25th.

"These girls have been working since the beginning of August 2019," said Tepley. "We traveled to four different qualifying competitions, qualified for state which was held at Mount Si. High School in Snoqualmie."

This is the second state championship under this young team's belt, however the squad has competed in a variety of cheer competitions across the state. The 501(c)3 youth football and cheer organization is based in the Central Cascade area and offers football and cheer to kids 5-13 years old.

"Pop Warner is just a really special organization because these kids come in and don't have to have any type of background, they just have to be willing to work hard. This is such a special program, we really provide these children with the skills that they need to be successful," said Tepley. "Focusing on academics, teamwork, self confidence and winning is just a byproduct on focusing on those values."