Clean routine vaults West Park cheer to state title

West Park High School opened in the 2020-21 school year and the team's first Sac-Joaquin Section and state championship didn't go to the football, baseball or soccer teams, but the cheer team. A week after winning the Sac-Joaquin Section cheer championship, on Saturday at Folsom High the West Park varsity girls cheer team won the CIF State Championship in the varsity large school division, as it had the highest score against seven other schools. Routines had to be two minutes, 30 seconds long, in which 1:45 had to be music, leaving 45 seconds for cheering. West Park started its program with the cheer portion and then went to the music. Routines were judged on 1) building, meaning individual and partner stunts and pyramids as well as the level of difficulty and execution. Competing in the highest division meant West Park had the toughest stunts in its routine. The second part of the judging was the cheer portion. How teams incorporated signs, flags, megaphones and such and how the teams got the crowd engaged. The third and final judging was the overall impression of the routine. How it flowed, the showmanship, crowd engagement, jumps and tumbling and how the team performed. West Park knew it had a good routine. "We knew we had a good clean routine," coach Rachel Ito said. "We didn't necessarily think we won, but we knew it would be close. Temescal Canyon and Clayton Valley, who placed second and third, had very good routines. I think what set us apart was our execution and technique. We were so clean that I think that ultimately won us the competition." The West Park girls practiced long and hard to win the competition. While cheer practice began when school started in August, practice for the competitive season began in earnest in October. "The girls have practiced four or five times a week since October," Ito said. "This is the hardest-working group I've ever coached. Their passion and dedication is amazing and we also support all the high school sports as well. Their dedication and hard work is what put them over the top. I'm lucky to coach this team. This is a big feat and I've got a great group of girls." The West Park competitive cheer season is not over. The team will now prepare for Jamz Nationals in Las Vegas on Feb. 20. Members of the team include Adrienne Charlson, Alexis Beigh, Alyssa Ito, Arieana Freeman, Brooklyn Busch, Cami Deome, CeCe Nguyen, Cezanne Lord, Claira McDaniel, Delaney Lauer, Dior Smith, Isabella Swartz, Izzy McMindes, Kailee Fisher, Kailyn Worrell, Kensi Wright, Kylie Wong, Layla Zavala-Johnson, Leah Croswell, Mariah Navarro, Mia Arney, Mikayla Ablang, Payton Galloway, Piper Kimbrough, Savannah Jones and Bella Carculac.