Junior Patriot cheer squad shines at NCA camp

Girls earn team, individual awards in summer competition

Marion School District Marion’s Junior Lady Patriot cheerleaders impressed the judges of the National Cheerleaders Association during the summer break. The girls racked up a collection of individual and team honors, including the top overall leadership award.

MJHS cheer coach Brooke Colquitt expressed how proud she was of her squad, many of which had never been a part of an organized cheer team before. She said it took a lot of work, but it paid off in the end.

“I really just wanted to grow together as a squad, but these girls set high expectations for themselves and were not okay with just participating.,” Colquitt said. “Several nights, we worked late on routines under the street lights in the parking lot. They had blisters all over them by the end of the week. We made sure Icy-Hot stayed in business.”

The long nights earned the squad wins in Star Stunts, Star Tumbling, Star Jumps, Stunts S.A.F.E., Rally Routine and the Top Overall Leadership Rock Award.

Marion also managed to win the coveted daily spirit stick award every day of the camp.

The NCA event was held at UALR and was a limited invitation event. The other schools at the camp were Scotts Hill, Ashdown, Lewisburg, Lamar, Greenbrier and Fouke.

Marion ninth grader Emmy Crymes also earned a pair of individual honors.

She was named the overall Star Tumbler for ninth graders as well as the ninth grade All-American honor.

“It means a lot to me to win those awards because it shows that my hard work over the past few years is paying off,” Crymes said.

“I also liked how we grew together this week as team. It was really cool seeing everyone’s personalities become a part of their performances and I think we got as a whole better because of that.”

The first opportunity for fans to catch the Junior Patriots at home is at the home-opener for the MJHS football team against Mountain Home on Thursday, Sept. 26.