(Photo by S.C. High School League)
By Thomas Grant Jr.
Chapin High School remains the queen of competitive cheer in South Carolina.
The Lady Eagles captured their state-record 19th title at the S.C. High School League Class 5A Division II finals Saturday at Colonial Life Arena. Chapin posted a team score of 334, comfortably ahead of second-place Catawba Ridge (309), third-place St. James (289) and fourth-place Irmo (265.5).
“The team truly created their own legacy by hitting a perfect routine, while protecting the legacy of all the girls that had come before them,” said head coach Vicki Williams, who earned her 18th state title at Chapin. “They know they have to meet and uphold the expectations of what it means to be a Chapin varsity cheerleader, which is not easy. The commitment and work ethic is demanding in order to carry on the tradition of putting excellence on the mat. We are so proud of this team and their hard work to protect the legacy of champions!”
Since competitive cheer became a sanctioned sport, Chapin is the only high school to win state championships in the 2A, 3A, 4A and 5A classifications.
Also representing Lexington-Richland School District Five at the state championships were Dutch Fork and Irmo. The Lady Silver Foxes finished third in Class 5A Division I with 297.5 points, while the Lady Yellow Jackets placed fourth in Class 5A Division II with a season-best score of 265.5. All three district programs finished in the top five statewide.
“I am so proud of this team and the coaches,” Chapin High School Principal Ed Davis said. “Their hard work, commitment, and Chapin toughness were on full display. Coach Williams and her staff have set the bar for excellence in our state. This is an awesome achievement for Chapin High School, our community, and our district. A true testament to what Eagles can accomplish together. We aRe CHAPIN! Three-peat!”
