By Marisa Dawson, Photos courtesy of Kristen McCrillis & Michelle Fleischman
The Bennington High School Varsity Cheer team capped a remarkable season by claiming the Class B Traditional Stunting and Tumbling championship at the Nebraska State Cheer Championships last Thursday, while also securing third place in the Non-Tumbling division and the Team Academic Excellence Award.
The competition, held at the Heartland Event Center in Grand Island, showcased the team’s versatility and dedication. The BHS Varsity Cheer squad excelled in both divisions: Traditional, which emphasizes precision in stunting, tumbling, and crowd-leading, and Non-Tumbling, which highlights elite motions, jumps, and continuous engagement.
Head Coach Kristen McCrillis credited the championship performance to more than just technical skill. “What truly set this routine apart was the execution and the heart behind it,” she said. “Difficulty matters, but at the state level everyone is talented. Our athletes focused on sharp motions, clean tumbling, confident stunts, and performance quality. They didn’t just perform skills — they performed with purpose. You could feel how much they trusted each other. They weren’t just hitting skills; they were fighting for each other. That emotional investment made the routine unforgettable. Their energy and connection to one another made the routine feel powerful from start to finish.”
This season’s success stemmed from a renewed emphasis on preparation. McCrillis explained that the team balanced physical training with mental toughness. “The team prioritized film review, goal-setting, and accountability in a way I haven’t seen before. I took videos at every practice and before the next practice the athletes had taken notes on areas and skills they needed to improve,” she explained. Conversations led to the team embracing the challenge of tough days. “They held each other accountable in a way that was truly special. The maturity and unity they showed this year is what elevated us.”
A pivotal moment came during the Traditional routine following the perfect execution of their most challenging stunt where the shift was visible. “I saw something shift in their eyes,” McCrillis recalled. “It wasn’t relief — it was confidence. Their body language changed, their smiles got bigger, and the crowd reaction grew. From that point on, they performed freely. When they stuck the final element, I knew they had left everything on the mat.” She continued on to share, “Coach Bailey and I were so proud of them because we knew they had just given the performance of their lives.”
When Bennington was announced as first place in the Traditional division, the reaction was electric. “It was overwhelming in the best way,” McCrillis said. “There were tears immediately — the kind that come from months of sacrifice finally paying off. They jumped up embracing each other in celebration. It was pure, unfiltered joy. It was about what they had accomplished as a TEAM.” After the hours of practice and work the team and coaches put into this moment, McCrillis said this “was a moment they will always remember.” Furthermore, she shared how it is about more than a score and truly represents the family this team has become.
The team’s well-rounded performance stood out with their third-place finish in the Non-Tumbling category. “Placing in both categories shows how well-rounded this team is,” McCrillis noted. “Traditional highlights precision, stunting, tumbling, and crowd-leading ability, while Non-Tumbling demands elite execution of motions, difficult jump sequences, and crowd engagement from start to finish. To succeed in both speaks to their versatility, discipline, and depth of skills. Both routines required countless hours of practice and commitment.”
Adding to the pride was the Team Academic Excellence Award. “That award makes me just as proud as a state title,” McCrillis said. “These athletes balance so much — demanding practices, cheering at multiple athletic events every week, jobs and responsibilities, on top of the expectations they place on themselves academically. To see them recognized for their commitment in the classroom reminds everyone that they are more than athletes. They are leaders, role models, and driven young women with bright futures.”
She added that it reflects the program’s deeper values of displaying excellence in everything they do, whether that be on the mats, in school, and beyond. “Our culture is built on integrity, respect, and the pride we take in representing ourselves, our families, and Bennington the right way. Winning is wonderful, but building strong successful young women to be leaders is the real victory,” McCrillis shared.
The day wasn’t without challenges, as a winter storm hit during the awards ceremony, scheduled to begin around 4 p.m. The school district’s bus was set to depart earlier to avoid the storm, potentially forcing the team to leave before results were announced. Parents stepped up to ensure the athletes stayed. Michelle Fleischman recalled how the group banded together to attend the full ceremony and drive the girls home safely through the blizzard. McCrillis expressed deep gratitude: “It meant everything. That moment showed how special our cheer family truly is and how much they support this team and us as coaches. Our parents weren’t going to let weather take away a moment these athletes earned. Their willingness to step in and drive through the blizzard… speaks to the love and belief surrounding this team and we are incredibly fortunate to have families who go above and beyond.”
Looking ahead, McCrillis hopes the victory inspires future generations. “I am so hopeful that this championship … confirms that cheer is much more than just sideline spirit—it’s a demanding, year-round competitive program that requires strength, discipline, trust, and unwavering dedication,” she said. “I hope this win inspires younger girls and boys in our community to believe they belong here. I hope it teaches people that cheerleaders are some of the toughest athletes in our buildings. More than anything, I hope this championship becomes a reminder to our athletes that when they pour their whole hearts into something, they are capable of extraordinary things.”
In reflection, McCrillis emphasized the lasting impact: “This championship is a beautiful achievement, but what makes me most proud isn’t the trophy — it’s the character, unity, and strength they’ve built together. That’s the real legacy.”
