Wareham Tigers Pride Cheer team gets heroes’ welcome after championship win
Mar 16, 2022
Lydia Kirkland, Brianna Whitney, Delaeni Bearce, in front, show spirit, with Alex Leveillee and Haileigh Lapine, second row. Photo courtesy: Melissa Brundage
Nevaeh Merritt strikes a pose, supported by Lydia Kirkland, Alexandra Leveillee, Brianna Whitney and Delaeni Bearce. Photo courtesy: Melissa Brundage
The team’s charter bus arrived heralded by emergency vehicles.
The girls were greeted by a cheering crowd.
A crowd of family, friends and one small dog waited to meet the team.
The Wareham Tigers Pride Cheer team got heroes’ welcome on Tuesday night as they returned to town after winning first place in their division at the Quest Recreational Cheer Championships at the ESPN Wide World of Sports at Disney.
The 16 cheerleaders, who range in age from 10 to 18, qualified for the tournament back in December after winning the highest score in their division, explained Damon Solomon, who runs the program.
“All the best teams go,” Solomon said.
The team returned to town in style, their charter bus led by emergency vehicles with lights and sirens blaring, to meet their families in the Town Hall parking lot.
Solomon said that the team experienced a little bit of a culture shock during their first day at the competition, but after some team bonding events, they came back stronger for the second day.
“The second day, they came back with a vengeance,” Solomon said, adding that the team saw no reductions to their score.
That performance followed months of hard work.
“It’s a huge commitment,” Solomon said. “It’s not just your typical one to two practices a week.”
After their win, the team spent several days in the park — and got to have a special party in the Magic Kingdom.
“Their joy is what makes it all worth it in the end,” said Tigers President Jared Chadwick.
