OCCA Championships in Salem next weekend

Feb. 14, 2022 — The Siuslaw cheer team traveled to Oregon City on Feb. 12 to compete in the OSAA Oregon State Cheer Championships.

After a challenging week where part of the team was quarantined as the result of COVID exposure, the team was happy to simply make it to Oregon City High School to compete. The change in lineup forced the team to do some improvising at the last minute.

“This team has been through a lot this week,” said Teri Straley, Siuslaw head coach. “We found out Tuesday night that one of our teammates had to quarantine due to COVID protocols. We spent the last three days, one day with our full team, moving people around from stunt to stunt.”

The Vikings received 16.5 in the “Building Skills” category, 18.8 in “Tumbling/Jumps” and 14.5 in “Overall Routine” for a total of 48.8 points. Though that score put SHS last in the Coed Division, the score was only 9.4 points behind their closest competitor, Sky-Em rival Marshfield, who scored 58.2.

“Myself and my assistant coaches are so proud of what the team achieved this weekend, especially with being in a new division with bigger schools,” said Straley.

Next weekend, the team will travel to Salem for the Oregon Cheer Coaches Association (OCCA) Championships. The Viks are excited to be able to compete with a full team.

“They are ready to have their teammate back Monday and to work hard to compete in our final competition this year,” said Straley.

The OCCA Championships will be in Salem on Feb. 19. Start time has yet to be announced. For more information, go to www.occa.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/OCCA-Champs-Information-2022.pdf.