Disappointing finish for Blair cheerleading

During the Division II cheerleading competition, the Blair cheerleaders violated a safety rule. According to sponsor, Roxaane Fus the infraction caused them to place last in the competition.

Coach Roxanne Fus attributed Blair's loss to both the violation and lack of preparation. "We needed to start earlier to perfect the stunts," said Fus. Although the first stunt was shaky and the team was unable to lift a member, they managed to pull together in the end. They carried out the final and most difficult stunt in their routine flawlessly. "It was the first time ever we had nailed the last stunt.," said Fus.

Usually squads attend reviews, in which the teams are informed of any safety violations in their performance. Blair was not prepared for the review two weeks earlier. According to Fus, the violation occurred when there was not a spotter for one of the stunts. This violation cost them 25 points.

Scoring is divided into four main parts: fundamental skills, choreography, routine execution, and overall effect. There are five possible violations for teams, safety infractions being the category with the greatest point penalty. The first infraction costs a team 25 points and each violation after costs them only 5 points. All other violations are 5 points, with the exception of appearance, which is 2 points.

Seven schools attended the Division II competition. Watkins Mill High School won both the spirit award and first place. Kennedy High School placed second, and Blair rival Springbrook High School received third. Blake, Einstein, and Quince Orchard high schools also performed.

Despite the violation, Fus was proud of the effort and performance from the cheerleaders. "I think the girls did really well. I think that competition shows that [cheerleading] is hard work. It shows that they really are athletes," said Fus.