CHEER CHAMPS! 7A Albertville, 5A Douglas squads win state titles

First traditional team title for Douglas since 2005

By TAYLOR BECK, Sports Editor

For the first time in two decades, the Douglas High School cheer program is back on top.

The Lady Eagles claimed the AHSAA Class 5A state championship on Nov. 10 at Bill Harris Arena in Birmingham, marking the program’s first Traditional Division state title since 2005.

To reach the big stage, Douglas had to first qualify in October at the AHSAA North Super Regional, where they also took first place. That victory set the tone for the Eagles’ historic run and their rise in a division unfamiliar to them until this season.

Douglas has competed in the Gameday Division since 2015-16. But following last year’s trip to Nationals, head coach Natalie Holland and her staff decided it was time to elevate the program into the Traditional Division — one that demands increasing skills, more time, and a new level of commitment.

The team met that challenge head-on, Holland said.

“I could not be prouder of these girls,” Holland said. “They have showed up to practice with a hunger to improve and the resilience to overcome any obstacles thrown their way. They put in the work, they take corrections, and they truly love what they are doing.”

That passion, Holland added, made every practice a joy and fueled a championship-caliber season.

Last Monday’s title is a major accomplishment for Douglas cheer, but the job isn’t finished. Holland said the squad will now shift its focus to capturing another title at the national championships held at the end of January.

“We hope to continue this success at the national level,” Holland said. “They are very deserving, and we always love to see our Eagles soar!”

Members of the team include Caley Grace Wigley, Cortney Cash, Holly Spears, Arabella Rouse, Rihanna Meza Saravia, Zoe Wright, Emma Williams, Naylea Munoz, Jenna Sims, Averi Beck, ViviAnne Allen, Jozie Harris, Imari Roque, Madi Driver, Marilyn Luevano, Tatum Coley, and Aubrie Skie Bennett.

The squad is coached by Holland, Rylee Chaffin, Emily Jackson, and Amie Baker.

Douglas High School won the Class 5A state championship in the Alabama High School Athletic Association competition on Nov. 10 in Birmingham. It’s the school’s first state cheer title since 2005. SPECIAL TO THE LEADER

Albertville brings home school’s first championship

By TAYLOR BECK, Sports Editor

Spell it out: V-I-C-T-O-R-Y. Victory, victory … that’s the Albertville cheer squad’s cry.

After a day of near-flawless competition, the Albertville Aggies cheer squad secured the Class 7A state championship inside the Bill Harris Arena in Birmingham on Nov. 10.

The title marks the first AHSAA state championship for the school, said first-year head coach Jeromy Shaw.

Shaw praised the team’s determination and maturity through a demanding season.

“I could not be prouder of our team’s perseverance this season,” Shaw said. “The hard work and their willingness to listen and take corrections truly earned them their state championship.”

The grind behind the success wasn’t simple. Shaw said the team navigated a packed schedule filled with football games, pep rallies, camp preparation, and competition routines — all while striving to elevate their performances week after week.

The effort stretched far beyond the gym.

“Many people don’t realize the work coaches do outside of practice getting the team ready,” he said. “There have been many 2 a.m. nights reviewing films, taking notes, and perfecting choreography, but each milestone we have accomplished this season is worth the sacrifice.”

With a state title now secured, the Aggies will shift their focus toward the national championships in January.

“We will use our time by having showcases and lots of practices to get ready,” Shaw said.

Members of the squad include Macy Lang, Alivia Nadrotowski, Valerie Beasley, Emma Cox, Eve Browning, Trinity Harbison, Olivia Moore, Mollie Walker, Kendyll Sheffey, Alivia Johnson, Dezyree Oliver, Lauren Murphy, Ainzlee Boman, Sadie Maltbie, RK Busha, AK Winegarden, Aria Benefield, Ava Morton, Adalynn Baker, Corbyn Jayne Eads, Annalise Burke, Erah Kate Reese, and Betsy Floyd.

The squad is coached by Shaw, Tanika Colvin, and Mary Grace Hand.

Albertville cheerleaders react Nov. 10 after learning they won the Class 7A state championship in competition cheerleading at Bill Harris Arena in Birmingham. It was the Aggies’ first Alabama High School Athletic Association cheerleading championship – and the first team title since a mythical state championship in football in 1953. ALBERTVILLE CITY SCHOOLS PHOTOS | SPECIAL TO THE LEADER