By Tom Nader

Publisher and Editor

The Northeast Ohio Youth Football League hosted its annual Cheer Competition on Saturday.

Crestwood served as the host program this season, with the event taking place at Hiram College’s Price Gymnasium.

Communities that participated included Crestwood, Coventry, Field, Garfield, Mogadore, Rootstown, Southeast and Springfield.

The cheer teams competed across three different divisions: Mighty Mites, Junior Varsity and Varsity.

Each squad’s routine consisted of cheers and a dance, which also was required to include a synchronized jump.

In addition to the team routines, individuals and squads were recognized in a jump-off competition and “Spirit Stick” winner that was awarded to the community in each age division that was determined to have the most spirit.

The Spirit Stick winners were Rootstown (Mighty Mites), Field (Junior Varsity) and Rootstown (Varsity).

• The Jump-Off winners included:

Mighty Mites

First Place: Camryn Pryor, Field

Second: Helena Biggie-Nunes, Mogadore

Third: Lori Mathis, Rootstown

Junior Varsity

First Place: McKenzie McClutchen, Springfield; Madelyn Magrell, Springfield

Second: Isabella Long, Rootstown; Aubree Woods, Springfield

Third: Alana Hunsche, Rootstown

Varsity

First Place: Gabriella Greathouse, Crestwood

Second: Madelyn Kline, Rootstown

Third: Malia Fletcher, Mogadore

• The competition champions included:

Mighty Mites

Champions: Rootstown

Second: Field

Third: Crestwood

Junior Varsity

Champions: Field

Second: Mogadore

Third: Rootstown

Varsity

Champions: Field

Second: Mogadore

Third: Crestwood

NEOYL Cheer Director Dawn Green and Cheer Liaison Toccara Ball offered a sincere appreciation to Crestwood Cheer Director Katie Long and Crestwood’s board for “taking on this large task and making the day a success.”

“The day wouldn’t have been as fun as it was without their hard work. The entire NEOYFL Board says congratulations to all the teams and individuals who placed and a very big job well done to every girl who performed,” Green said.