The Dalles takes second in state cheerleading competition

THE GORGE — The Dalles High cheer squad culminated a year-long training and competition regimen with a second-place finish at the Feb. 13-14 OSAA 2026 Cheerleading State Championships at Oregon City High School.

The Dalles cheer team compete in the Feb. 14 evening session in the Traditional — COED 4A/3A/2A/1 category. The Riverhawks scored 74.90 points, finishing second to champion Gladstone (89.5). The Dalles was scored by the judges in the following categories: overall, 26.5; building, 27.6; tumbling and jumps, 22.3. The Riverhawks also received a 1.5 safety deduction. There were six teams in the Traditional — COED 4A/3A/2A/1A category.

TDHS cheer team tuned up for state with a first and two second-place finishes at competitions at the end of the competitive season.

The Dalles team is coached by Kris and Katelyn Vasser, with team choreography by Tara Mahoney and Katelyn Vasser. Team members: Lillya Dahl, Keely Byrd, Noelani Eggers, Le’Aziah Collins, Athena Lepinski, Hunter Janson, Hailey Cain, Grace Martin, Maycee Foote, Angela Garcia, and Shirley Cornejo.