Numerous East Texas Cheer Squads Excel at UIL State Championships

When it comes to Texas University Interscholastic League championships and state meets, it's usually sports competitions such as football, basketball, and baseball that get all the hype.

Keep in mind, however, that there are scores of other UIL competitions that are related to academics, music, theater, journalism, and many more.

There is also a Spirit category. The UIL hosts a Spirit State Championship every January. High School cheer teams from all conferences and divisions across Texas are represented.

That competition wrapped up a few days ago at the Fort Worth Convention Center. Hundreds of teams participated and quite a few teams from the East Texas region excelled.

Class 5A, Division One

The Lufkin Varsity Cheer made history by making it to the finals round. 20 out of 71 teams competing in this division made it to the final round. The Panthers finished 18 overall.

Class 5A, Division 2

Nearly 65 teams took part in this conference, and the Whitehouse Cheer Team finished in the top 10.

Class 4A, Division 2

The cheer teams from Hudson (7) and Gilmer (6) finished in the top 10 in the state. Compared to last year, Hudson improved their overall finish by 11 places.  A total of 53 teams competed in this division.

Class 4A, Division 1

54 teams competed in this division. Jacksonville, Henderson and Kilgore made the finals and finished in the top 20 in the state.

Class 3A, Division 2

Nearly 50 teams competed in this division and the cheer team from Kirbyville brought home the silver medal. Other East Texas teams that finished in the top 20 included Waskom and Troup.

Class 3A, Division 1

The Tatum Eagles Cheer Team earned a fourth-place finish in this division. Meanwhile, the Buna Cougars Cheer Team finished 8th. Other East Texas teams in the top 20 included Gladewater Sabine and White Oak.

Class 2A

66 teams competed in this category and several area teams did very well. The cheer team from Joaquin placed sixth, Shelbyville cheer finished eighth, with Big Sandy (Upshur County) and West Sabine also placing in the top 20.

Congratulations to all these teams and the many other teams who competed in Fort Worth.