Cheerleaders to compete in national contest

 The LaRue County High School Cheerleaders won the medium varsity division in Saturday’s Universal Cheerleading Association’s Northern Alabama Regional competition at Sparkman High School in Harvest, Ala.

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The win qualified them to compete in the National High School Cheerleading Championships in February 2013.

It’s the second consecutive year the squad has earned the right to compete in the national competition. Last year, they placed second out of seven teams in the qualifier and eventually took 13th in the national championship.

Saturday, they bested eight of Alabama and Tennessee’s top squads including Walker High School, the 2011-12 5A state runner-up in Alabama and Piedmont High School, the 2011-12 3A state runner-up in Alabama.

“LCHS represented both our school and state very well,” said Coach Tara Wooden. “(I’m) very proud of the effort and looking forward to another great competition season.”

Wooden is assisted by Renee Wright and Megan Willard.

Cheerleaders are Jayma Whitlock, Emily Armes, Taylor Dawson, Haley Dragoo, Kristen Kells, Meredith Lindsey, Brigitte Skaggs, Gabby Garcia, Darienne Grimes, Allyson Hutchins, Sierra Mullins, Savannah Long, Mallory Skaggs, Rachel Armes, Brittany Blair, Emma Bowling and Katelynn Lafollette.