Double second

INDIANAPOLIS — The Patriots made their return to the state fair last year with a second-place finish.

They were oh so close Saturday to climbing to No. 1 in their second year back.

Jay County High School’s cheerleading squad was the runner-up again Saturday in the Indiana State Fair competition, finishing just one tenth of a point behind champion Tri-West.

The Bruins scored 203.2 points to the Patriots’ 203.1 out of the three schools in the small varsity no music division.

“I told the girls, regardless, beforehand, however it fell, we did well,” said JCHS coach Lindsey Peterson. “We had a clean routine.”

Jay County’s junior high squad also finished in second place, making the leap from fourth a year ago. The patriots scored 186.7 points to trail only Fall Creek, which dominated the field of five squads with 212.1 points. Tri-West was third at 181.3.

“I feel good,” said junior high coach Brea McClain. “I’m very proud of the girls. It’s very exciting. We haven’t had second place in a long time.”

It marked the highest finish for Jay County since the junior highs combined into a single school.

Both Jay County High School cheerleading squads finished in second place Saturday during the Indiana State Fair competition in Indianapolis. Pictured above, Ella Roussey (left) and Leah Steed react to the announcement of the junior high squad finishing in second place. The group was fourth at the 2023 state fair. (The Commercial Review/Ray Cooney)

 

The varsity Patriots, who returned to the state fair last season for the first time since 2015, had their highest score from each judge in synchronization at 9.5, 9.2 and 9.1 out of a possible 10 points. It also fared well in crowd appeal (27 out of a possible 30 points including a 9.4 from one judge) and motions (26.6).

Its lower marks — still all 7 or higher — came for jumps and degree of difficulty.

Tri-West, meanwhile, had a more difficult routine overall but ran into significant issues during its stunting.

“Our skills weren’t as difficult, but we nailed our skills,” said Peterson. “And I still think we’re better off that way.”

“We were nice and clean. We hit the stunts.”

The junior high squad also had high marks for crowd appeal, totaling 25 points including a 9 from one of the judges. It also earned 25 points for crowd appeal.

Looking at what she felt was key to success, McClain identified internal aspects of Saturday’s competition.

“The enthusiasm and working together as a team,” she said. “And the girls actually enjoying it. We’ve struggled the last two weeks getting into it and enjoying what we’re doing. It's just been very stressful. We’ve had some things not working. 

“They finally found their enjoyment in the routine and they were able to show that.”

The junior high squad’s lower marks — like the varsity, still all 7 or higher — came for tumbling and synchronization.