CHEER

The Huntington cheer team closed out its season at Saint Francis’ Hutzell Athletic Center with determination and grit at the Crossroads League Cheer Conference Finals, delivering two spirited performances and finishing seventh overall.

Despite a significant setback just days before the competition, the Foresters rose to the challenge. An injury sidelined one of the team’s flyers during the week leading up to conference, forcing the squad to quickly rework portions of its routine. With only one practice to make the necessary adjustments, HU took the mat focused on representing their program and each other.

The Foresters’ routine highlighted the team’s strengths with confident stunts, solid tumbling and high energy throughout. The performance reflected the group’s resilience and the growth they demonstrated over the course of the season.

HU posted a prelims score of 70.18, but a pyramid deduction in the finals round resulted in a 68.79 score. With the overall score determined by combining 25% of the prelims score and 75% of the finals score, the Foresters finished with a final mark of 69.14.

The result marked a significant improvement for the program, finishing 14 points higher than last year’s conference finals score.

“This season was completely different than I could have ever imagined,” said head coach Shawnna Esque. “I am truly grateful for all of the athletes who made up our team this year. Through heart and determination, I know we will come back stronger next year and continue to make a difference. I want to thank all of our families and friends who have supported us every step of the way.”

While no Foresters earned All-Crossroads League honors this season, seven athletes were nominated for consideration: Kylee Henderson, Rebekah Brown, Hailey Banfield, Kami Frank, Lindsay Johnson, Michael (Solomon) Barnum and Lillian Roth.

“All of these athletes were amazing throughout the season,” added Esque. “They adapted and helped bring our scores to where they needed to be. I am proud of every single one of the student-athletes on the mat.”

The program also celebrated an exciting milestone off the mat this season. With the support of donors and the university, the team was able to purchase its own cheer mats and looks forward to hosting regular-season competitions in the future.

The Foresters close the year proud of the progress they made and eager to continue building momentum heading into next season.

FINAL STANDINGS
1. Taylor: 90.63
2. Indiana Wesleyan: 90.24
3. Spring Arbor: 89.34
4. Saint Francis: 82.91
5. Bethel: 78.89
6. Marian: 75.25
7. Huntington: 69.13