CMS cheerleaders, front row, from left, Emma Kate Locke, Maddie Giles, Emma Deason (Mascot), Annabel Mullinax, Cameron McGhar, Macaidyn Bradford and back row, from left Kensley Davis, Hallie Ousley, Kailee Williams, Ashley Minor, Haley Hill, Heather Liveoak, Coach Tony Huntley and Chloe Barron. (Contributed)

The 2016 Clanton Middle School cheerleaders and mascot recently participated in a UCA Camp held at Auburn University. This year’s camp theme was “GO for the Gold” in honor of the Olympics.

In order to receive the “Gold” superior ribbon, squads had one chance to perform their material perfectly. The CMS cheerleaders received Gold Superior ribbons for their Sideline evaluation on day one, their Game Day evaluation on day two and their Extreme Routine evaluation on day three of the camp.

Hockey sticks and gold medals set the tone for the Go for the Gold Pep Rally. In a spirit-filled pep rally, the squad dressed as the famous 1980 Olympic Gold Medal hockey team.

The UCA staff enjoyed the trip back to the 1980 Olympics with the CMS cheerleaders. “Hard work and dedication paid off, as the CMS squad brought home numerous team and individual awards and honors,” said coach Tony Huntley.

Emma Kate Locke and Annabel Mullinax received a gold superior ribbon for advancing to the final round of the camp Jump Off. Kensley Davis, Maddie Giles, Annabel Mullinax and Hallie Ousley competed against other cheerleaders from different schools at the camp and were chosen as All-American Cheerleaders.

They will have the opportunity to perform at Varsity Spirit’s 2016 Thanksgiving Tour at the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Fla. On the final day of the UCA Camp, the cheerleaders competed in the Extreme Routine and Best Game Day championships.

They won four trophies at the awards presentation at the conclusion of the camp. They received a trophy for their second place finish in the Extreme Routine competition. They were awarded a trophy and a gold superior ribbon for their first place finish in the sideline cheer, and received another trophy and gold superior ribbon for their first place finish in the Cheer competition.

The final trophy and gold superior ribbon was for their first place finish in the Game Day competition and camp champions. Clanton mascot, Emma Deason, brought home a Gold superior ribbon and the “Most Improved” mascot award.

The team also earned a spirit stick and the prestigious Traditions Award, which is voted on by the entire UCA and Varsity Brands staff for their leadership skills, school pride and spirit. We are honored to be recognized for this. We take great pride in representing our school at camp and showing what it means to be a CMS cheerleader, Huntley said.