Jim Townsend
- Jan 12, 2019

Hard Work Paying Off for Raider Cheerleading Team in 2018-2019 Season

The Portland High School Varsity Cheerleading team has been having remarkable season in 2018-2019.

In the team’s first competition of the year at West Catholic on December 8th where the Raiders scored a 219.20 in round 1, 193.98 in round 2, and 272.70 in round 3 for a total score of 685.88

At the CAAC Scholarship Meet at Dewitt on December 14th the team scored 214.00 in round 1, 192.90 in round 2, and 274.70 in round 3 for a total score of 673.60. Head Coach Mindy Blaschka said, “At this competition they gave away scholarships the day of the competition. Kait Kmetz was award a $1000 scholarship.”

At Midland on January 5th, the Raiders placed 1st in Division 3. Blaschka said, “Overall all including D1/D2/D3/D4 teams we placed 3rd out of 22 teams. Round 1- 214.80, Round 2-185.92, Round 3-293.40, Total Score 694.12. This has our best round 3 performance on the mat yet this season. The team was exciting and hit their stunts!”

On December 18, the Raiders competed at Ovid Elsie where they placed 1st out of 4 teams. They scored a 225.70 in round 1, 200.84 in round 2, 273.80 in round 3 for a total score of 700.34. Blaschka said, “This was our highest round 1 and 2 score yet this season.”

On Friday night, the team took second at the Lakewood competition.

Blaschka identified the team goals for the season as improving throughout the season, becoming the CAAC White League Champs, and a top 4 finish at Districts to move onto Regionals.

Portland will be hosting the final league meet and their only home competition of the year on January 30th. The competition starts at 6:00 pm. Please consider coming out to support these young ladies.

Blaschka is assisted in her coaching duties by Jennessa Hengesbach.

2018-2019 PHS Varsity Cheer Roster

Babbit, Kyleigh

Blaschka, Talia

Brennan, Avery

Cassel, Joslyn

Cowden, Makayla

Groenert, Jule (Marie)

Hernandez, Kimberlee

Hinds, Adrienne

Jones, Lindsey

Kmetz, Kaitlin