The Kearney High School Cheerleading Squad finished second at the state competition on Saturday, Dec. 9 in Cape Girardeau.

The Bulldogs traveled to Southeast Missouri State University as the third-ranked squad and hoped for a score of 92. Their routine earned 94.87 points, with 2.5 points in deductions. They missed first place by less than a point, finishing just behind first-place North Point High School and ahead of third-place Platte County High School.

The team scored the highest of their session in the Pyramids, Creativity, Tosses, Formations, and Jumps events.

“Congratulations to the entire team and coaching staff,” Kearney School District Activities Director Dave Schwarzenbach said. “This is one of the highest accomplishments by the cheer squad at state in school history!”

Kearney High School Cheer is led by Head Coach Erin Schmeltz, along with Assistant Coaches Hannah Walter and Kassidy Robertson.

2023 Cheerleading Squad Members:

Adilynn Campbell

Alyssa McIntire

Amara Miles

Gracie Parks

Hailey Stocksick

Hayven Fuemmler

Joley Leach

Katelyn Cobb

Kenna Chenoweth

Leyla Emre