Byron Nelson and Eaton cheer squads each place at state championships

Byron Nelson and Eaton both brought home hardware from the UIL State Spirit Championships held at the Fort Worth Convention Center this weekend.

The Bobcats — competing among the top teams in the state’s second-largest classification — took home State Runner-Up for Spirit in the 6A Division II category. For the third year in a row, the team also brought home Best of Category for Fight Song with a final score of 72.7.

“Knowing that this team has medaled the last five years at state is insane and gives us confidence going into our next competition,” said junior captain Kaylin Spasic. “I’m so excited and can’t wait to compete with this awesome group of people at nationals.”

A total of 41 teams competed in the 6A Division II preliminary round, with the top 20 teams advancing to the UIL finals.  Finishing with a score of 92.20, the Bobcats missed securing a first-place finish by a mere 0.43 points to Fort Worth Paschal.

“I am so incredibly proud of this team for putting in so much hard work and taking home second at state,” said senior captain Taylor Merchant. “I can’t wait to put our everything on the mat for our last performance at NCA this weekend!”

In their inaugural year competing in the largest division at state, the Eaton Eagles secured third place for Spirit in the 6A DI category. The last time the Eagles placed at state was in 2019.

“It’s not getting first that matters to us,” said senior captain Maggie Cowen. “It’s the amazing routine we put on the floor that truly matters.”

Only two full points separated first place from third place in the finals, with the Eagles finishing with a final score of 85.37.

“Coming off the floor in finals was truly the best feeling ever,” said Bailey Lankford, a varsity captain. “No matter what place we received, we knew that we did our best and nobody can take away that feeling.”

To learn more about the UIL State Spirit Championships, please visit their website.