Yuma Catholic cheer celebrates state title with ring ceremony

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - Months after capturing a state championship, the Yuma Catholic cheer team is finally getting its moment to celebrate in full receiving their championship rings and reflecting on a season that ended with a Division 4 Game Day state title.

For senior cheerleader Anna Scwalke, the ring ceremony marked a milestone the team had been waiting on for a long time.

"This is a moment we’ve been waiting for for so long," Scwalke said.

The Shamrocks’ championship run didn’t come without challenges. Early in the season, the team was still learning how to come together and compete as a unit on the state level.

Senior Janelle Guzman said the team had to push through early uncertainty as they worked to build chemistry.

"We would call ourselves a dumpster fire because it was crazy," Guzman said.

But as the season progressed, the group grew into one of the top programs in their division — turning early struggles into a championship finish.

"How all the sports, like we have to be there for all of their state stuff, and everyone gets so excited for everyone's state, but no one’s really there at our state. But you know, we came out on top," Guzman said.

The team says that transformation from early-season growing pains to state champions is something they’ll never forget.

"Going from a dumpster fire to state champs is really crazy," Guzman said.

Despite many athletes joining the program without prior cheer experience, the Shamrocks say their coaching staff and team support helped them rise to the challenge.

"You don’t have to have a dance or cheer background… it’s just having super supportive coaches," a team member said.

Head coach Hailey Curry credited a mix of experienced returners and new athletes for helping build a championship-caliber roster.

"We had some returners… and new girls that had never done cheer before… they earned this title," Curry said.

As the team celebrates their rings, Curry also reflected on the pride she feels in the group’s accomplishment.

"I’m just so proud of these girls," she said.

The Shamrocks’ title adds another chapter to Yuma Catholic’s athletic success, and the program hopes the championship season brings greater recognition moving forward.