Notre Dame cheer squad wins nationals

This year’s varsity squad had much to cheer about, including an undefeated season ending with a national title in the large varsity show cheer novice division at the United Spirit Association Nationals in Anaheim. Notre Dame was one of five local high school-aged squads to represent San Mateo County at last weekend’s competition. Mercy, Hillsdale and South San Francisco high schools and all-star squad Rebels Elite also took to the blue mat in a variety of divisions. While Rebels Elite earned a noteworthy second place, Notre Dame was the only school to secure the national title.

Co-captain Ashley Simms, 17, got a bit choked up when describing how Sunday’s win was a testament to the squad’s hard work over the year.

"We screamed and cried and all broke down,” she said of the squad’s reaction to placing number one.

Simms felt the team was truly unified this year, working together well and it showed on the blue mats when the girls hit the routine.

This win was the sixth for the Tigers, who took first in all the competitions they entered this year.

"I’m very proud,” said coach Morgan Craig. "It’s so rare for any team in any sport to go undefeated. It’s unbelievable.”

Craig attributed the hard work of the team and fellow coach Mario Crespin for the victory.

"They were consistent, made no mistakes with energy up,” Craig said of his squad. "They made it look effortless. They knew the routine. They just went out there and entertained the crowd.”

For three seniors, this win is the second in their high school career. The squad won nationals during the girls’ freshman year as well.

Mercy High School’s Crusader Rabbits took on a new challenge this year, competing in the intermediate level. Moving up has meant meeting a higher challenge, but will also prove a beneficial experience to the younger girls, said cheer coach Rebecca Hazen.

Building up to the competition, the squad was focusing on landing a clean routine. Unfortunately, there was one dropped stunt in competition. The squad placed 16 out of 26.

"They did a great job,” said Hazen, who noted the girls were taking on the big dogs in a new division.

Tumbling will be the focus for the next squad, a move that should strengthen their chances next year.

Hillsdale and South San Francisco high schools competed in the same division as Mercy at nationals. Coaches for both squads were not available to comment on how the teams performed.

Rebels Elite are an all-star squad made up of girls who must prove mastery of certain skills to make the cut. Made up of 13 girls from a variety of San Mateo County Schools — Mercy, South San Francisco, Woodside, Mills and Capuchino — the squad took second in its division.

Heather Murtagh can be reached by e-mail: heather@smdailyjournal.com or by phone: (650) 344-5200 ext. 105.