NJ-SP Jr. Midget Cheer Squad Heads to Nationals

  
 
The North Judson-San Pierre Pop Warner Jr. Midget Cheer Squad will soon be visiting Disney World, but not for fun. The squad received the first place trophy this week in Dekalb at the Mid-America Regional Competition and the squad, for the second year in a row, now moves on to the national competition at Disney World.

According to Team Mom Misty Ratzlaff, the girls have been very busy practicing for the competition and she feels they are more prepared for this year’s national competition than they were last year. While the team didn’t bring home a victory last year, Ratzlaff said they’re much better this year and more “in sync.”

The nine-member squad ranges in age from 10 to 13 years old, and they brought home first place at the district competition in Valparaiso in October. Ratzlaff said this will be the squad’s last year together after four years of teamwork as the older girls will be aged out and younger girls who recently began practice will take their spots.

The squad is hoping to offset the cost of $450 per participant through several fundraisers. Ratzlaff said the team will be doing bake sales at the North Judson-San Pierre High School on Nov. 15 and 23 during the varsity games, and they will also be doing “Letters From Santa” for donations.