Rising Sun, South Dearborn Cheer Advance To State Finals

The State Finals will be held on November 6 at New Castle High School

Rising Sun Cheer. Photo by Rising Sun Athletics.

INDIANAPOLIS - It was a weekend to remember for two area high school cheerleading squads. 

Rising Sun and South Dearborn were among the competitors at the Indiana State Varsity Prelims at North Central High School in Indianapolis. Both schools performed well enough to advance to the Cheerleading State Finals. 

To qualify for state, teams had to place in the Top 60 percent of their division. 

Teams were judged in several categories including cheer, jumps, stunts, transitions, tumbling and dance.

For Rising Sun, it is the first time in school history they have advanced to the state finals. The Shiners are led by coach Heather Cook, who has been a big influence to cheerleaders in southeastern Indiana. Once upon a time, Cook led South Dearborn to the state finals in 2013 - which was the Knights first-ever trip to the state finals. 

Rising Sun and South Dearborn will compete at the State Finals on Saturday, November 6 at New Castle High School.  

The Shiners are coached by Heather Cook and Kalyn Grubbs. South Dearborn's coaches are Katie McLaughlin, Lori Rinehart, and Erin Wuestefeld. 

SD Cheer. Photo provided.

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