"Let's Go Patriots!"

Payton and her team have been cheering on the football players for the South Orange Patriots-Mighty Mite (7-8 year old) division for months now, and it was finally their turn to shine.  This last weekend was the Mid-Florida Cheer Competition in Lakeland, Florida, and out of 43 teams participating, Payton's team won first place in their division and are now headed to the National Competition in December.  The girls worked really hard the last few weeks at practices, perfecting their 2 1/2 minute routine, and all the hard work paid off.  I was actually very surprised and impressed the first time I saw what the performance consisted of.  I wasn't a cheerleader and my perspective of the cheerleaders was "rah-rah-ree-kick'm in the knee" at football games, but I learned that a cheer routine includes tumbling and stunts and dance moves on top of the cheer. We're very excited for Payton to have such a fun experience.  

Very patiently waiting through all the
Mighty Mite cheer teams for Payton's turn.  

Ready to go on. 

The end of the routine.

"Yea!  Let's go Patriots!"
I've heard that hundreds of times in the past few months.  

Walking out for the winner's to be announced. 

South Orange Patriots- 1st place in the Mighty Mite division.