The Wareham Tigers’ two competitive cheerleading teams both took home wins at the US Finals, run by Varsity, in Ocean City, Maryland, this weekend.

The Pride team, which is composed of skilled cheerleaders between the ages of 9 and 18, earned their highest score of the season and beat the other team in their division, which was much larger with mostly older athletes. That team had won the finals the previous four years in a row.

The team performed their routine cleanly, and saw no reductions in their score due to fumbles or falls.

“We performed our best routine we’ve ever done,” said Program Director Damon Solomon. “That’s what I’m proud of. This team is special.”

Solomon said that the team persevered through a tough season hampered by covid restrictions, which meant that for a long time, the team could not practice any stunts that require close physical contact. The team went two months without practicing, and ended up spending most of the season practicing at the cafeteria in the Multiservice Center. That meant the girls on the team started and ended practice by moving or replacing all the furniture in the room and rolling out their mats.

“It’s a huge athletic commitment, and we really pulled together and rose from the ashes,” Solomon said. 

The Spirit team, composed of younger or first-time cheerleaders, won their division and also earned their highest score of the season. 

Solomon said his teams focus on competing with themselves and continually improving.

While the details are still in the works, the Tigers plan to host cheer camps in the summer. Tryouts for next year’s season will happen at the end of July. 

For more information about the program, go to www.warehamtigers.org.