After only three years in existence, the Mehlville Jr. Panthers cheerleading squad for 7th and 8th graders took top prize in a cheer competition, winning the Universal Cheerleaders Association Boot Heel Missouri Classic Competition.

The Jr. Panthers will display their trophy at Mehlville High School in honor of the Mehlville High School cheerleading coaches who volunteer their time with the junior squad, including Tara Sielfeisch, Leah Groves, Maggie McComish, Alyson Potje, Natalie Dressner, Kayla Sellers and Megan Baskin. 

Last year the team earned third place. This round, the Jr. Panthers cheerleaders won first place in the Jr. Game Time Out Dance Division during the competition on Dec. 9 at the Show Me Center.

"This is the third year that the Mehlville Jr. Panther Football Organization has supported the cheer program, and without the support of the Mehlville Jr. Panther football program, the cheerleading program could not have been this successful" said Darla Hemrick, director of the Jr. Panther cheerleaders. "We are so very proud of the Jr. Panther parents and students who volunteer their time to support the football and cheer program wholeheartedly." 

FOR MORE

• Watch the squad's award-winning performace in the video above.
• Click the photos below the video to see a photo of the team, including names.
• If you liked this story, check out these photos from the Mehlville Jr. Panther Powderpuff Football Game.

Editor's Note: This story incorrectly stated the ages of the cheer squad. The Mehlville Jr. Panther cheerleading squad hosts 7th and 8th graders.