HUNTINGTON, W.Va. -The Big Sandy Superstore Arena in Huntington, was the scene Saturday of one of the biggest cheerleading events in the United States. Over 62 teams from a three state area arrived to compete and to prove that cheerleading is about more than “rah-rah” and “hooray”.

The American Cheer Power Northern Regional Cheer Tournament saw 62 teams encompassing approximately 860 athletes compete for cheerleading honors in 5 different levels and divisions. These teams, all privately operated all-star squads from different areas had worked for months getting their routines down, their choreography just right and their bodies ready to give the judges an award winning two and a half minute perfomance, bringing all the talent and showmanship they can muster in that short period of time.

Approximately 2,000 fans made their way to the Big Sandy Arena to watch what could only be dubbed as a true “all-star” competition.

Local cheerleaders from Mingo, Logan and Martin County schools participated as members of the various teams in the competition. Also local teams from Inez and Logan competed as well.

American Cheer Power, one of about 50 professional cheerleading companies, has been in the business of producing competitive All-Star Cheer competitions all across the United States for the last twenty years. The Huntington competition which is the ACP Northern U.S. Regional event. The company has five such regionals across the country and then a national team championship and then the “Nation’s Top Cheerleader” competition in Las Vegas. American Cheer Power follows the United States All-Star Federation Rules and Guidelines.

Cierra Lovett, a Williamson High School Cheerleader competed on the River Cities Senior Rebel Level 5 cheer squad. River Cities finished as runner-up in their class in the competition. Lovett says she is totally fascinated with the sport.

“I have been with River Cities for about four years now,” said Lovett who cheers not only with her all-star River Cities squad, but also cheers for her Williamson High School squad as well. “I absolutely love cheerleading...I like to think of cheerleading as being my life.”

It’s that type of attitude that keeps these girls coming back to these competitions year after year.

Todd Crenshaw, operations manager for American Cheer Power says that not only is All-star cheerleading sustaining it’s interest, but in this area and nationwide is growing at a considerable rate.

“Last year’s regional was our first annual event held here in Huntington, West Virginia. We had around 30 teams, 400 athletes and 800 or 900 spectators.” said Crenshaw. This year we had 62 teams, 892 athletes and approximately 2,100 fans. So the growth in interest in All-Star cheerleading is clearly growing. But we’re seeing the growth here in spectators in West Virginia somewhat more than we’re seeing in other parts of the country.”

Ernay Goble, Cheer Coach and Choreographer for Inez’s Mega -Cheer 14 and under All-Star team, which placed third at the event this Saturday in the Level Three Cheer Division said the growth was astounding, even to those in the sport.”We were here last year competing at a lower level and there were about 35 teams. Now this year there are over 60 teams. That was a huge surprise because I didn’t realize how big All-Star Cheerleading was in this area. I knew about River Cities and Tumbleworld, two of the larger organizations, but I didn’t know their were all of these others.”

With teams from 2-year old non-competing “show teams” all the way up to Level 5 Senior High school athletes, the sport has a solid participation base. And these athletes are all long-time cheerleaders who take the sport very seriously.

“ I like to think about cheerleading as my life” said Lovett, who is sponsored by Williamson Mayor Darrin McCormick to help offset fees involved with participating in All-Star cheerleading. “The reason I participate with River Cities is to get better at it and one day, hopefully, get a cheer scholarship to the University of Kentucky.”

“At our Nation’s Top Cheerleader competition, the winner gets a $10,000 escrow account to pay for their college tuition. “said Crenshaw. “Many of the same athletes that are in our competitions go on to college and cheer. We feel it’s important that they go to college.”

Goble knows something about college cheerleading. She is a former Marshall University cheerleader who, like many of the athletes there Saturday, sees cheerleading as a wonderful thing .

“Cheerleading gives young girls a sense of leadership an d instills a drive to compete.” said Goble. ”It teaches them about the importance of teamwork, hardwork and determination.”

According to Goble, “This is just one of about seven competitions my Mega -Cheer Team will compete in by the end of March. And they tale each one very seriously. “Once we’re done with one, we move to another. Some of the girls always want to do different routines, but I tell them that if they one routine and work it to perfection. If they do that, the trophies will come.”

“Whether it’s the midwest, Florida the West Coast or here, it’s serious business to these girls.” said Crenshaw. “But they are great competitors and demonstrate great sportsmanship.”