CLMS competition cheer team wins first place

The Canyon Lake Middle School competition cheer team took first place overall at the USA Brea Olinda Regional at Brea High School on Dec. 16. The win qualifies the team to compete in February at the USA Jr. Nationals in Anaheim.

The team competed against four other middle schools in their division. It was the first of several scheduled competitions for the team.

The team’s next competition will be at the CheerPros Californian State Cheer and Dance Championship tomorrow, Jan. 20, in Pasadena.

There are 18 girls on the competition cheer team. “We are expecting big things from them this season,” said coach Tammy Howard.

Canyon Lake residents on the team are Kolena Apana, Skyler Fullerton, Kylie Hill, Rula Katsouridis, Zoe Kays, Sydney Manning, Riley Smith and Julia Zitzke. Additional team members are Allie Brockie, Lacey Castillo, Payton Harding, Mariah Morris, Kaley Pelton, Kailani Rjiejahh, Isabella Roe, Brooklyn Smith, Katelynn Stout and Isabella Villarreal.