Hudson’s Bay Cheer team takes odd route to Nationals

HUDSON’S BAY — On a whim, the Hudson’s Bay High School Competition Cheer team decided to enter a contest that would change its future — and with a lot of hard work, send the team to Disneyland.

In December, the team signed up to compete in a regional competition held in Springfield, Ore. It placed second in Varsity Show-Intermediate Division securing a spot in the High School Spirit Nationals cheer competition.

Through a variety of fundraisers including a silent auction, car wash, Bunco night, cookie sales, and cheer camp, the cheerleaders have raised around $9,000 toward their trip to California.

Coach Sarah Nelson said it’s been a whirlwind journey; most teams take a year to raise money, and then try to qualify for Nationals — but the Hudson’s Bay team did just the opposite, leaving around two months to reach the goal.

“They are truly so much fun to be around and my most talented team I have had since I started coaching eight years ago,” said Nelson. “We hope to do well in Nationals, but the experience is what we are all looking forward to most.”

The team still needs to raise around $3,000 to make the trip to Nationals on March 25 and 26, which will be at the Anaheim Convention Center.