KIMBALL -- The Kimball cheerleaders took home the Runner-up trophy in the Game Day Division at the Lexington High School Cheer Competition Saturday.

“The Kimball cheerleaders had a great showing for the start of their competitive season,” said Cheer Coach Carrie Tabor. “The cheerleaders performed with fantastic energy and great execution in their jumps and stunts, and the judges also noted their notable use of space and volume despite being a small team.” 

The team also went home with the trophy for best expressions across the entire competition pool over all classes. 

“It’s one thing to go out and dance, jump, yell, and stunt at full energy for a routine, and it’s another thing to do it all with a smile,” Tabor said. 

Along with the team's accomplishments, several cheerleaders received individual champions. 

Kylie Wurdeman earned a finalist ribbon in the Jump-Off, and Emmaline Tabor received an invitation from the UNK cheer coach for their spring recruitment clinic.  

“I also want to shout out our freshmen, Kyndal Reich and Kloey Fraser, for how much they’ve stepped up to the plate this year,” Tabor said. “These two have been thrown into the deep end with cheer as first-timers and have taken it in absolute stride.” 

As the team looks ahead to the State Competition in Grand Island February 20, the girls will be putting in more practice perfecting their Game Day routine and preparing their non-tumbling routine. 

“We’re so excited to get back to that state mat and represent this community, and we’re grateful for everyone’s support,” Tabor said. "We’re a small, young, and scrappy team, with half our cheerleaders in their rookie season and the other half with only a year of varsity cheer under their belts, but the work ethic and grit they bring to the mat could outpace even the most veteran team. It makes all the difference in the world to have athletes who will show up each and every day and give it their absolute all. Even on the hard days, the cheerleaders make the choice to execute, and I couldn’t be more grateful."