WATCH: Chesapeake Varsity, JV Cheerleaders Sweep To County Championships

The Chesapeake cheerleading program is still the undisputed class of Anne Arundel County, as the Cougar varsity and JV teams swept to county championships on their home court on October 30.

The varsity Cougars scored a 123.1 out of a possible 130 to top South River (119.75), Arundel (119.45), Glen Burnie, Meade and Broadneck and win the program’s 14th county championship:

The team of Ashley Brewis, Carlie Wilkins, Emma McNamara, Ethena Stallings, Hayley Mentzer, Jessica Dixon, Katherine Truelove, Kelli Hawkins, Kennedy McNulty, Lindsey Petersen, Mackenzie Porter, Maddi Fox, Makayla Frommelt, Mariah Ambrose, Natalie McCallister, Paris Ogonowski, Savannah Wright, Shaylah Hunt, Sierra Finnerty and Skylar Storm overcame unique challenges and the pressure of standard-bearing, said coach Lisa Elliott.

“I’m so proud because our team is so young,” said Elliott, who coaches the team with assistant coaches Lisa Johnson and Joe Vecchioni. “We’ve been climbing ladders this season. We’ve had lots of injuries, which we’re not used to having. It’s a lot of pressure being at your own school. We’re clicking, and it’s coming together so great, and I couldn’t be prouder.”

Mentzer, a senior, said the team maximizes its varied talents.

“Everyone in our program is amazing and brings something different to the table,” she said.

Ambrose, also a senior, praised the teamwork and sacrifice the Cougars have displayed.

“It feels amazing. This team is family. We stick together, and it’s awesome. I wouldn’t change it for anything,” said Ambrose. “We work together. If you work together, it works out. If you’re an individual, it doesn’t. We’re not individuals. We are one big family.”

JV Cougars Cap Undefeated Season With County Crown

The JV Cougar cheerleaders made it a Chesapeake sweep on the night, matching their varsity counterparts’ county championship with a 113.4 to defeat South River and win a county title for a third straight season:

Head coach Arynn Freburger said the team likewise overcame multiple adversities early in the season to win all four of their meets, including the season-ending county crown.

“I am proud of them because they’ve overcome so much this season,” said Freburger, who coaches along with assistant coach Taylor Sank. “They have come together so well and been a family, and it’s been awesome to see.”

The 2017 county champion Chesapeake JV cheerleaders are Amber Brisbane, Carlie Haslup, Haley Steele, Jamie Clark, Julia Nicoli, Maddie Gray, Ryah Pelley, Savanah Stinchcomb, Savannah Davis and Torri Jezierski.

EXTRA POINTS:

Stealing the show on the night was Kent Island, which competed at the meet as a guest. The Buccaneers, who have a close relationship with the Chesapeake cheerleaders and play powder puff football against the Cougars annually, threw down an outstanding routine to tie their friends and rivals by also scoring a 123.1:

“Kent Island are our buddies,” said Elliott. “We do a lot of talking all the time, and we’re both supportive of each other, and the sportsmanship between us is amazing.”

The Cougars have high hopes to parlay their success at counties into a state championship on November 11.

“We have to practice hard, because it gets tougher every time you go, and we’re going against the best of the best every time,” said Elliott.