For the first time since 1998, the SWAC Cougarettes cheer squad went to the big regional competition at Pacific Lutheran University last weekend, after a lot of hard work, reports Felicia, who shared the photo and a recap:

Coaches Alicia and Roxie were wonderful with these girls, and treated them like family. The girls practiced 3 times a week as well as cheering for all the games on Sundays from 8 am to sometimes 6 pm. Many of the other competing squads have a cheer squad for each of the football divisions. These kids worked so hard and even though they didn’t win a trophy, they deserve just as much hoopla. The thing that struck me was that these kids were sad for like a minute, but then were sincerely happy for the teams that placed, and thrilled to be in the moment. My daughter Chloe’s takeaway was that the experience itself was worth all the hard work. I’m sure each and every one of the families are as proud as I am of our girls and so grateful to Alicia & Roxie for their dedication!

Felicia says 9 teams competed, and a squad from Kent won the championship.