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By Ivan Sanders
Star Correspondent

A special group of athletes from Elizabethton High School has been recognized for their hard work throughout the year by receiving a bid to attend Nationals in Orlando, Fla., from Feb. 7-10, 2025. They will compete in the Division II Small Varsity Game Day division.

The EHS Varsity Cheer qualified for Nationals by earning a bid at the Smoky Mountain Championship in Sevierville on Dec. 7.

To qualify for national competition, teams are required to attend a Varsity Spirit camp where they must complete a squad credentialing program. Bids must be earned through performances at a Universal Cheerleaders Association (UCA) regional competition, which the Cyclone cheer squad accomplished.

Cheer coach Victoria Nanney said this is only the second year in school history that the program has competed at this level.

“Last season, we competed in the traditional category, and this year, we competed in the Game Day division for the first time,” Nanney said. “This is our first time as a program competing at the national level.

“The team began preparing for this season in June with summer workouts, practices, and cheerleading camp. It was such a special moment to see their faces light up when they realized their hard work had paid off, and they received a bid to compete at the national level. I am incredibly proud to coach this outstanding group of athletes.”

Nanney explained that the Game Day category highlights traditional cheerleading by focusing on leading the crowd. Teams are evaluated on their ability to lead the crowd, proper game day skill incorporations, execution of skills, motion technique, and overall performance.

The EHS Cheer team will perform a three-minute routine that includes a band dance, situational sideline, crowd-leading cheer, and fight song, with stunts and tumbling incorporated throughout.

“The number one goal of the cheer team is to support our athletic teams and engage with our fans,” Nanney said. “Competing in the Game Day category allows us to showcase how we do just that!”

Nanney hopes the team’s accomplishments will encourage more young athletes, both boys and girls, to recognize cheerleading as a sport and inspire greater participation.

“I believe transitioning this program into a team that competes will help build up our program and encourage other athletes to want to be a part of it,” Nanney said. “Competitive cheer showcases the athleticism and dedication of cheerleaders. Being a competitive team also helps prepare our cheerleaders who are interested in pursuing college cheerleading.”

The team has entered fundraising mode to finance the trip, which comes with an estimated cost of $15,000. Each cheerleader and mascot has a “Road to Nationals” map they are working to fill to cover competition fees and other expenses.

The team is hosting an EHS cheer camp celebration to raise funds, open to children from Pre-K through eighth grade. The camp will be held at T.A. Dugger Junior High from 9 a.m. to noon on Jan. 18, 2025.

The camp will feature Disney characters, Mickey ear decorating, stunts, tumbling, cheers, dances, games with mascots Tuffy and Stormy, and more. The $45 registration fee includes Mickey ears, a ‘Betsy Cheer T-shirt, and camp activities.

“We are using this camp as an opportunity to celebrate the program’s accomplishment of receiving a bid to Nationals in Orlando and want future Cyclone cheerleaders to be part of this special achievement,” Nanney said. “A link to sign up for the camp can be found on the Elizabethton High School Cheerleading Facebook page.”

Other fundraisers include selling ‘Betsy Cheer T-shirts, crewnecks, and hoodies, which are also available through the Facebook page.

On Jan. 23, a “Spuds and Spirit” fundraiser will take place during the Elizabethton vs. Unicoi basketball game. Cheerleaders will sell baked potatoes, chili, and a drink combo for $7. Tickets can be pre-ordered by contacting a cheerleader or emailing the Betsy Cheer booster club.

Donations to support the team’s trip to Nationals are also welcomed.

“If you would like to make a donation toward our efforts for Nationals, you can write a check to Betsy Cheer Booster Club, donate through PayPal at betsycheer42@gmail.com, Venmo at @betsycheerboosters, or send us an email at betsycheer42@gmail.com,” Nanney said.