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The Andalusia Bulldogs competed in the 2024 AHSAA Cheerleading State Competition at the Bill Harris Arena in Birmingham and brought home two titles on Wednesday, Nov. 20.

Led by coaches Caitlin Williamson and Ali Rogers, the Andalusia High School varsity squad won the 5A state championship in the game day division with 20 schools competing.

“We are so proud of the commitment the girls made to reach their goals,” Williamson and Rogers said. “It certainly does not come easy, but they put in the work required. As coaches, we try to prepare them as best as possible, and when they step on the mat, we have full confidence they’re going to give it their all.”

Williamson and Rogers added that this year’s girls have been such competitors.

“Once the girls finished their routine, we didn’t care about the outcome. We knew that they had just given their best, and as coaches, that’s all you can ask,” they said.

The 2024-2025 Andalusia High School varsity cheerleaders are Brittan Bennett, Olivia Cravey, Raeghen Curry, Jessa Ann DuBose, Lily Jo Elmore, Fabion Green, Makaylin Howard, Tionna Jackson, Harold Jones, Everly Mack, Natalie McGlamory, Banks Merrell, Marlee Mullins, Taya Newton, Annistyn Page, Annie Park, Tatum Reaves, Keaton Spears, Clara Rose Stewart, and Kinsley Stovall.

“I feel blessed to have been a part of making history at AHS. It’s incredible that we won both a 4A state championship in 2022 alongside our football team and now a 5A state championship in 2024 alongside our JV team,” senior Brittan Bennett said.

“Being in a new region this year brought along even tougher competition. After winning southern regionals, we took our notes and worked even harder to improve our routine to prepare to compete against even more 5A teams from across the state,” senior Annie Park said.

“When they announced our names, I felt a wave of strong emotion crash over me. It was amazing to have all of our hard work pay off. I was immediately brought back to 2022, and that is an indescribable feeling,” senior Lily Jo Elmore said.

“Winning state for the first time was the best feeling! The moment our team was announced as champions, I felt so much pride and joy knowing we achieved something so special together. It’s a moment I’ll never forget,” senior Kinsley Stovall said.

Led by coach Yvette Akridge, the junior varsity squad was named the state champion in the junior high small game day division that featured 27 schools with 7A Hewitt-Trussville finishing as runner-up. The junior high state cheer competition is not split into classifications.

“The long practices, sweat, ‘one more times,’ tears, adversities, and Andalusia pride paid off,” Akridge said. “I am incredibly grateful I get to coach and love on these girls. We prayed that God would get the glory, and He would give us the strength to leave it all on the mat. He gave us the strength, and we finished as champions.”

The 2024-2025 Andalusia High School junior varsity cheerleaders are Captain Addison Brown, Co-Captain Alex Carroll, Co-Captain Camryn Smith, Annah Claire Barrow, Ramsey Bergfeld, Alyvia Butler, Callie Crysell, Madelyn Furr, Zendaya Jackson, Amre Marcotte, Madison Pate, Makayla Phillips, Eden Popwell, Mukenze Sturgeon, Camilla Thompson, and Maci Whigham.

“Leading my girls to state was an experience I will never forget. We have come so far as a team since we started practicing. Our dedication paid off this past Wednesday in Birmingham. These girls mean so much to me. I am so grateful to share a state championship with them. They make me proud to be their captain,” Addison Brown said.

“After months of hard work, sweat, and dedication, we’re officially state champions! Every stunt, every cheer, and every moment led to this victory, and we couldn’t have done it without the support of our amazing coaches, families, and fans,” Co-Captain Camryn Smith said.

“I have always dreamed of winning state as a cheerleader. Our team is wonderful, and I am so thankful for how hard we have worked and how far we have come. After many tears, arguments, early practices, and many sentimental moments shared, we have achieved our goal. Words cannot describe how much I love the girls on our team and am thankful for this opportunity. When I heard Andalusia called out as state champs, it was the best feeling ever,” Co-Captain Alex Carroll said.

The game day routine format consists of band chant, crowd leading, and fight song. To qualify for the state finals, teams must attend their assigned super regional and meet one of the following criteria. In the game day performance, teams must score 75 percent of the total score sheet or receive first or second place in their respective division.

Opp High School was named the 4A state champion in the traditional category and received second place in game day. Pleasant Home School and Straughn High School competed for the first time ever in the state finals. The PHS Eagles finished fourth in 1A game day, and the SHS Tigers earned 11th in 4A game day. The Star-News is working to obtain more from these schools.