Kent cheerleaders win first place at championships

The Kent Knights Cheerleaders flipped, twirled and tumbled their way to a first place championship trophy.

“We all were in shock when they called our team name because we didn’t expect to win at all,” said Morgan Russell, 11. “We all were jumping up and down, hugging each other and just so excited.”

The Kent Knights beat out 9 other teams Nov. 21 at the South Puget Sound Junior Football League Cheer Championships. The competition consists of a 10-minute stunt, dance and cheer routine.

“I told my girls that in my 18 years with Kent Knights, this year I believed our stunt and dance were the best I had ever seen,” said Michelle James, cheer director. “I also told them on our last practice that if they nail this routine, the trophy is ours. And they did.”

There are 41 cheerleaders on the team, ages ranging from age 6-15. The Kent Knights are a year-long nonprofit youth football and cheerleading league that lasts all year.

“The girls endured a lot of practice, hard work, tears and injuries,” James said. “We had a lot of new girls this year, so they really wanted first place and worked so hard to get where they are now.”

The girls practiced three nights a week since Aug. 1st and cheered for the Kent Knight Football teams on the weekend.

“We don’t mind all the hard work because we love cheerleading and practice is always so much fun,” said Adrianna Edwards, 13. “I love having the chance to make new friends outside of school. We all have gotten so close are happy to share in our victory together.”