Cheerleaders earn trip to State

 The LaRue County High School Cheerleaders picked up their fourth consecutive Region title Saturday in the first-ever Kentucky High School Athletic Association’s Competitive Cheer Championships at Central Hardin High School.

LaRue County High School Cheerleaders won their fourth consecutive region championship Saturday. They will compete in the first KHSAA state cheerleading championships Jan. 26 at WKU’s Diddle Arena in the class 1A medium varsity division. Team members include Jayma Whitlock, Emily Armes, Taylor Dawson, Haley Dragoo, Kristen Kells, Meredith Lindsey, Brigitte Skaggs, Gabby Garcia, Darienne Grimes, Ally Hutchins, Savannah Long, Mallory Skaggs, Grace Armes, Rachel Armes, Brittany Blair, Emma Bowling and Katelynn Lafollette. They are coached by Tara Wooden, Renee Wright and Megan Willard.

LaRue’s ladies defeated Hart County in the 5th Region medium division 1A to earn a trip to State on Saturday.

“We had an issue with (a) pyramid, however, our difficulty and strength of routine carried us through,” said Head Coach Tara Wooden.

It’s the first KHSAA win for the cheerleaders – as prior to this year, the competition was sponsored by Kentucky Association of Pep Organization Sponsors (KAPOS).

The squad will take the mat at 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 26, at E.A. Diddle Arena on the campus of Western Kentucky University. 

“The girls have a big opportunity next weekend,” said Wooden. “We have a week to get focused on execution and doing the routine to the best of our ability.  The girls are ready to go to work ….”

After winning Region last year, the cheerleaders placed fifth in the medium varsity division in state competition.