The Albert Lea competition cheer team had its first outing of the year at the Rochester Invitational at Century High School on Sunday.

Only 10 of the 20-member team had competed when they received third in the novice division, first-time only, beginner category at the Minnesota State competition last year.

At Rochester, the locals finished sixth out of 14 teams, an exceptional first-time outing according to coach Donna Marty.

The Tiger cheer team competed with two new performers who had less than 10 hours of practice time with the stunts and routine before performing. The standings were Lac Qui Parle Valley first, followed by De La Salle, Holy Angels, Brooklyn Center and Hill Murray. The Tigers finished ahead of Maranatha, Blue Earth, Mankato West, Simley, Plainview-Elgin, St. Croix Lutheran, Martin County West and Sibley.

No safety violations were recorded in the 2-minute, 27-second routine, the fifth year in a row where no safety violations were recorded for any of coach Marty’s teams. This routine includes 96 stunts, transitions, jumps and tumbling, all in the allotted time frame of 2 minutes, 30 seconds.

This competition team represents cheerleaders from football, soccer, basketball and wrestling from Albert Lea High School. Currently, most girls are participating in sideline cheerleading two or three nights a week, and practices as well holding jobs, getting good grades and participating in girls’ basketball along with competing at this level. They have been practicing at 5:30 a.m. to prepare for these events. Cost for the activity is covered by the cheerleaders and their families. Coach Marty volunteers her time.

Seniors Jenna Lageson and Amy Sharpsteen will be recognized for their high academic achievements at the state meet. They may become eligible for scholarships through the Minnesota Cheer Coaches Association. The presentation will be held at 11 a.m. on Feb. 1 at Concordia College in St. Paul.

The Albert Lea cheer team will compete in the small school, large varsity division that will start at 1:30 p.m. on Feb. 1. Teams in the division include DeLaSalle, Holy Angels, Hutchison, Lac Qui Parle, Marshall, St. Clair and Totino-Grace.

This year’s routine consists of music from Ozzy Osbourne, Shania Twain and Pat Benatar.

Many girls have been attending tumbling classes at the Waseca Gymnastics center on weekends to incorporate tumbling skills into their routine. They would like to thank Scott and his staff for all of their help as well as Brenda Morris from Albert Lea who helped put the tumbling package together.

This group of girls has also been awarded a bid, based on scores and skills, to attend UPA Nationals in Minneapolis Feb. 20-23. Teams from throughout the United States travel will compete. The event will be held at the Minneapolis Convention Center.

Kristin Mummert, a sophomore will be participating in the category of magic performer, where she will have the opportunity to work with top girls from all over the nation in performing a routine based on tumbling, jumping, stunting and ability to learn material quickly on Sunday, Feb. 23.

Albert Lea will also be in the team academic category, where the cumulative GPA is matched against other teams at this national event. The Albert Lea competition cheer team has a GPA of 3.39. The Tiger cheer team is also focused on working for the sportsmanship and spirit category as well as the banner category at this national event. This is the first time ever that an Albert Lea cheer team has even attempted to try an event at a national level.

Coach Marty urges the community to lend its support to cheer team.

Spectator information is available from Coach Marty at 377-1336.