By Scott Roblin

Talent showcased at Medicine Hat’s first cheerleading competition

Jan 15, 2018 | 3:30 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – For the first time in the city’s history, cheerleaders gathered in Medicine Hat to compete for banners on Saturday morning.

The first annual ‘Swarm the Hat’ competition was held at the Cypress Centre Auditorium, featuring hundreds of competitors and their families from across the Prairies.

Southeast Alberta Cheerleading president Dawn Wilson said they were pleasantly surprised at the participation, which hopefully will carry over to future years.

“We had over 250 athletes on the floor today,” said Wilson. “Which was a little bit overwhelming at first, but [we’re] very excited to start building for next year’s event.”

Medicine Hat skateboarders humanitarian efforts in Mexico to hit the big screen

23h ago

UPDATED

Steam-powered passenger train passed through Medicine Hat on Friday

Apr 26, 2024

Medicine Hat Public Library Comic Con taking place May 4

Apr 26, 2024

Six schools took part in the competition, which included teams from as far away as Moose Jaw and Weyburn, Saskatchewan.

It was a successful first Swarm the Hat for the host Stingerz All-Stars, who captured three first place banners and another banner for a second place showing.

Jayden Jackson captured a first place banner with the Stingerz Senior Three team, and said the support was noticed by the athletes.

“I’m so glad that people want to come and watch us, because cheerleading is such a great sport,” said Jackson. “And, I’m just glad that people are recognizing it.”

Wilson added the banners were especially encouraging for their younger athletes.

“It’s really good to start off the competition with the really big win for them,” she said. “In the little guys’ eyes, first and second, they just got something. But for us, it’s really good and we’re excited to see the overall marks on the score sheets to see how we can improve for the next competition.”

The Cypress Centre was almost sold-out for the event, with organizers pre-selling almost 300 tickets.

The Moose Jaw Cobras took home the grand champions banner for best overall performance, while the biggest round of applause came during the final performance for the Stingerz Special Needs team.