By Marisa Dawson

The Bennington Badger cheer team is gearing up for a big moment: competing at the Nebraska State Cheer Championships this week. On Thursday, February 19, the squad will take the floor at the Heartland Event Center in Grand Island as part of the 20th Annual Nebraska State Championship for Class B.

On Saturday, in the lead-up to the competition, the team hosted a special cheer send-off event for community members and families. They performed their full routines, including both their non-building non-tumbling and traditional categories, giving supporters a preview of what they’ll bring to state.

Head cheer coach Kristen McCrillis, recently honored as the 2026 Nebraska Coach of the Year, shared her excitement and pride in the team’s journey. When asked what she’s most proud of right now, McCrillis highlighted their unity. “What I’m most proud of right now is this team’s resilience and commitment to each other. They’ve faced challenges this season like every team does, but instead of letting those moments divide them, they’ve used them to grow closer and stronger. Their commitment to each other has really elevated our performance. They’re not just working hard — they’re working together — and that’s something special and something I am so proud of as their coach.”

Preparation this week has been deliberate and focused. McCrillis explained that practices prioritized quality over quantity, with full run-throughs under simulated pressure, section clean-ups, and mental visualization to build calm confidence for the state atmosphere. The goal is to arrive feeling fully prepared and composed.

In these final sessions, the emphasis is on precision details that can separate top performances. “Right now, we’re really honing in on details — sharp motions, clean stunt transitions, strong jumps, and synchronized timing,” McCrillis said. “At this level, small details make a big difference. We’re also focusing on performance quality — facials, energy, and projection. We want the routine not only to hit technically, but to be engaging from start to finish.”

Throughout the season, the 20 athletes have exemplified teamwork, supporting one another both on and off the mat. McCrillis noted how leadership emerges from every grade level, with teammates staying late to refine skills, offering encouragement during injuries or personal challenges, and consistently putting the team first. “This team has done an incredible job of lifting each other up literally and figuratively,” she said. “Whether it’s staying after practice to help a teammate perfect a skill, encouraging someone through injury and illness, or supporting and loving each other through the heartbreak and stresses they are facing in their daily lives—these 20 athletes operate as a family unit.”

Representing Bennington at state carries deep meaning for the group. “Representing Bennington at state is something these athletes take very seriously,” McCrillis emphasized. “They understand they’re not just performing for themselves — they’re representing their school, their families, and their community. There’s a lot of pride that comes with wearing ‘Bennington’ across your chest at that level. It’s an opportunity they’ve earned through months of hard work, and they don’t take it for granted.”

Looking ahead to Thursday’s performance, McCrillis envisions a standout showing if everything aligns. “If everything goes right, you’ll see a confident, unified team performing with precision and heart,” she described. “The stunts will hit solidly, the timing will be sharp, and the energy will be contagious. When this team performs at its best, they trust each other completely — and you can see it. That trust creates a performance that’s powerful, exciting, and a joy to watch.”

She and co-coach Bailey Rolfe expressed deep gratitude for guiding the athletes this year. “Coach Bailey and I are so grateful to have been a part of their journey, and we are so very proud of the team these strong young women have become this year.”

The Bennington community rallied behind the team at the send-off, and now all eyes turn to Grand Island. Best of luck to the Badgers cheer squad- go show what Bennington pride looks like on the state stage!