By Thomas Grant Jr.
The “hot potato” battle over the S.C. High School League Class 5A competitive cheer title continued Saturday at Colonial Life Arena.
Over the past five years, Chapin and Lexington high schools have gone back and forth as champions.
Last year, the Lady Eagles placed third behind Lexington and River Bluff. A timing penalty, which they protested but was upheld by both the Executive Committee and Appellate Panel, resulted in a rare finish outside the top two standings.
Since March, a determined Chapin team and coaches Vicki and Billie Williams approached this year’s final with increased focus and intensity. A higher priority was placed on attention to detail as the Lady Eagles wanted to leave ‘no room for error’ in their quest to regain the title.
“They were more prepared than they were in a long time,” Vicki Williams said.
The Williamses also reached out to a Hall of Fame two-time national championship coach to speak with the team. University of South Carolina head coach Dawn Staley provided some motivational talk in the days leading to the final.
“She believed in the kids,” Vicki Williams said.
Staley’s belief was well-placed as Chapin came away with its state record 17th state title. The Lady Eagles held off strong performances by Lexington and River Bluff to win with a score of 336.5.
The Lady Wildcats were second by a point over the Lady Gators, followed by Blythewood and St. James.
“For our kids, this is just everything for them,” Billie Williams said. “Chapin is cheer and they love it.”
Losing only five seniors, the Lady Eagles have already turned their attentions towards repeating as Class 5A champion for the first time since it did in 2016-17.
“Keep working,” Billie Williams said. “The grind doesn’t stop for Chapin cheer.”
CLASS 5A COMPETITIVE CHEER FINAL RESULTS
1.Chapin – 336.5
2. Lexington – 325
3. River Bluff – 324
4. Blythewood – 303.5
5. St. James – 303
6. Dutch Fork – 285
7. Carolina Forest – 282.5
8. Fort Dorchester – 280. 5
9. Fort Mill – 279
10. T.L. Hanna – 277.5
11. Clover – 277
12. Dorman – 272.5
13. Summerville – 269
14. Spring Valley – 262
15. J.F. Byrnes – 261.5
16. Mauldin – 257.5
PHOTOS BY THOMAS GRANT JR
