Bellaire, Union Local earn top honors at Harrison Central Invitational

Fourteen schools from across the Ohio Valley competed at the Harrison Central Invitational Saturday at Harrison Central Junior-Senior High School.

Harrison Central hosted its fourth annual competition Jan. 10. In addition to performances on the mats, the event included T-shirt sales, concessions and a 50-50 raffle. Both middle school and high school teams competed.

Bellaire’s junior high team won grand champion in both traditional and gameday.

Middle school first-place finishes went to Beaver Local in non-tumble; Bellaire in traditional small; Martins Ferry in traditional large; Springfield in gameday small; and Bellaire in gameday large.

High school first-place finishes went to Bridgeport in non-tumble; Union Local in traditional small; Shadyside in traditional large; Bellaire in gameday large; and Martins Ferry in gameday build.

Union Local’s high school team won grand champion in both gameday and traditional.

The Be the Light Memorial Award was presented to two cheerleaders. Varsity cheer coach Karli Ray said the award honors athletes who embody selflessness, support and commitment to their teams. Ella Ingham of Springfield High School and Sophia LaRoche of Bellaire Middle School received the award.

“I like watching girls performing more than I like performing just because from your perspective it is different getting to see girls do their best and do what they love,” said senior Harrison Central cheerleader Kamari West. West said the event helps fund the cheerleaders’ trip to perform at nationals at Disney World.

The Harrison Central cheerleaders return to competition next week.