Wadsworth High School competition cheer leading team recently concluded its winter season, securing an eighth-place finish at the OASSA State Championships. Held on Feb. 22 at Big Walnut High School, the event marked the end of the 2025–2026 cheer season.

The team reached the state level after competing at a regional event in Uniontown, Ohio. Of the 64 teams at the regional qualifier, Wadsworth was one of 28 programs to advance to the Division 1 state finals. Divisions are based on the size of the school.

This year, the team has around 10 members, down from 15 last year. Most of the other teams have up to 20 or more members.

According to team member Alyssa Kinder, the program has qualified for the state level every year since competition cheer was established at the high school.

“Ever since competition cheer has been a thing at the high school, we have made it to states each year,” said Kinder, who is in her second year with the program.

This season featured a leadership change following the arrival of new head coach Kristy Doyle. Doyle took over the position after the previous coach’s contract was not renewed.

Under this new direction, the squad maintained a consistent training schedule to prepare for the technical demands of the competition circuit. The team practiced every Monday and Thursday from 3 to 4 p.m., with competitions typically scheduled once or twice a month on Sundays. These sessions focused on warming up, adjusting choreography, training new skills and reviewing technical feedback to modify the routine for the following event.

“We do a lot of changing our routine to be better based on our scores after each competition,” Kinder said.

Nora Love, team captain, currently in her third year on the team, noted that the program has maintained a consistent presence near the top of the standings.

During the last three years, the Grizzlies placed fifth or higher in every competition leading up to the state meet.

“From what I know, every year we have always placed in the top five teams,” Love said.

In the previous season, the team placed third in traditional cheer and fourth in the game day category.
While the winter season is now complete, preparations for the upcoming year begin this spring. Cheer clinics for the fall season are scheduled for April 27–29, with official tryouts following on May 2.