TCHS wins CIF cheer championship

In the California Interscholastic Federation’s first year to recognize cheer as a sport overwhich it would hold high school tournaments in the state, Temescal Canyon High School’s Cheer Team won the Southern Section title Saturday. There are dozens of cheerleaders who participated in the competition, seven of whom are Canyon Lake students.

By winning the 2AA Division title in the Southern Section, Temescal Canyon’s team will now compete in the CIF State Cheerleading Invitational on Feb. 19 at Mira Costa High School in Manhattan Beach.

Those from Canyon Lake on the award-winning team are Ryann Boshard, Riley Smith (Captain), Sawyer Lanouette, Kennedy Benham (Co-Captain), Amara Noon, Zoë Kays and Rula Katsouridis.

The CIF title came after the team won first place in the Large Varsity Intermediate division of the USA Regionals in December and first place in the Cheer Pros California State Championship in the Large Varsity Intermediate Division two weeks ago.

Members of the Temescal Canyon High School cheer team react to the results being announced at the CIF-SS Cheerleading Championships Saturday. The team took the title in the 2AA Division. Photos provided by Jai’lani Boshard.

After the CIF State Cheerleading Invitational, the team will head to Anaheim for the USA Spirit Nationals on Feb. 25.

Autumn Crawford is the school’s cheer coach.