For the Reporter

Auburn Ravens Youth Cheer, a local recreational squad, came away with top performances at the NJFL Cheer Championships at Puyallup High School on Nov. 11.

The Ravens Premier Squad captured the Youth (ages 11 and under) Non-Tumble division, and the Ravens Elite Squad took second in the Junior (ages 14 and under) Non-Tumble division. The field included a dozen other squads from the Nisqually League.

The Ravens All-Star squad, a non-competitive squad, also performed in the Showcase division.

The Ravens Elite and Premier squads are now off to the Junior Rec State Championships on Jan. 26 at Curtis High School at University Place. It will be the program’s first shot at competing for a state title.

“It’s amazing how much practice and hard work goes into two minutes and 30 seconds on the mat. But seeing the smiles on the girls faces, and bringing home two trophies makes it all worth it,” said Wendy Thomas, Ravens Youth Cheer director.

Thomas and a handful of volunteer coaches work with the group of girls, ages 5-14.

For more information about the program, visit aryfc.com or email at aryfccheer@gmail.com.

The Ravens Premier Squad won the Youth (ages 11 and under) Non-Tumble division. COURTESY PHOTO

Auburn Ravens Youth Cheer program sent two competitive squads (Elite and Premier) as well as its All-Star squad (Showcase division, non-competitive) to the recent NJFL Cheer Championships. COURTESY PHOTO