Kearney Bearcat Cheerleading team, (Kearney Public Schools, Courtesy)
KEARNEY — The Kearney Bearcat Cheerleading team made history on Saturday, placing 2nd in the Class A Traditional Routine at the Nebraska State Cheer & Dance Championships.
Competing against 11 teams in their division, the Bearcats delivered a standout performance, securing Kearney High Cheer’s first-ever state trophy and its first top-three finish in any event since 2009—a time before stunting was even permitted back into Nebraska public high school cheerleading.
The Traditional Routine category showcases a combination of cheer, dance, and highly technical stunting and tumbling sequences. To achieve their remarkable finish, the Bearcat cheerleaders dedicated themselves to early morning practices, training three times a week at 5:45 a.m. throughout the competition season.
Beyond their athletic achievements, the squad built an unbreakable bond, emphasizing teamwork and discipline. The team’s seniors played a pivotal role in fostering a “Work, not drama” mentality, holding their teammates accountable and setting high expectations for the program.
KHS Cheer Team: Seniors: Calla Ripp, Emily Larsen, Grace Schuster, Sara Hempstead, Tatum Kidd, Ty Royal, Adriana Valdovinos Juniors: Aubree Sheetz, Kaitlyn Rehtus, Lexi Hess, Makenna Bose, Shayne Brown Sophomores: Torrie Tracy, Kennady Krause, Faith Sedlacek Freshmen: McKenna Brecht, Josie Mast, Faith Schuster, Cathryn Karjalainen Coaches: Ashley Bush, Tammy Rehtus.
Coach Ashley Bush reflected on the season with immense pride, “I am incredibly proud of these kids. Not only are they talented cheerleaders, but they are also some of the kindest students at Kearney High. Their hard work and dedication have completely transformed Kearney High
Cheerleading for the better. They don’t just perform well at competitions—they bring energy, passion, and excitement to every routine. They truly love what they do and excel at engaging the crowd and boosting school spirit at KHS athletic events.”
This historic finish marks a new era for Kearney Cheer, proving that the Bearcats are a force to be reckoned with in Nebraska high school cheerleading.
