Cheerleading has been sanctioned by the Utah High School Activities Association for two years and Corner Canyon has owned the 6A title both seasons, winning its latest championship Jan. 25 at Utah Valley University. It also marks the sixth time that the Chargers have been the best in state since the school opened its doors 11 years ago.

“State was crazy in the best way!” said head coach Whitney Lunt. “We compete against some amazing teams in Utah, and we knew we would have to be at our best to defend our title. We told the girls going in that they had to hit their routine, that there was no option but to be perfect if they wanted to have a chance at going back-to-back.”

This year, Corner Canyon placed first in Show and second in the Game Time Dance & Cheer, Dance and Cheer categories.

“Our girls went out and did their show routine first and they got a hit!” said Lunt. “We did make some minor mistakes and had a few hiccups, so we weren’t 100% confident, but the girls did everything that we asked of them and that was to perform a zero-deduction routine. We also thought they did a great job at their game-day routines, but game day is so subjective and hard and you really never know what they want. But, our girls were loud and clean, and they had a ton of energy. Overall, we were very proud of their performances and what they put on the floor.”

The competition between Corner Canyon and Bingham was extremely tight this year, but the Chargers prevailed because of their Show routine which accounts for 70% of the final score. 

“Last year, we won both categories and so it was super easy to feel confident about the final outcome, but this year it was super nerve-wracking,” said Lunt. “I felt some relief when they announced that we won show, but when I could actually take a deep breath was when we got second in the game day categories. That was when I knew that we had it. That moment of relief and joy and knowing that the kids gave their all and that it was enough was amazing! There is nothing like that feeling, and I am so proud of them.”

The team has been led this year by senior captains Ashley Macievic, Lizzie Boyle and Zoe Kener along with Reagan Alleman, Izzy Bagley, Nora Balderson, Jordyn Cromar, Paisley Draper, Cambreigh Dykman, Lexi Goodbar, Kyndall Hadfield, Ava Johnson, Sophie Kennedy, Bridgette Marsh, Mylie Matthews, Kate Nelson, Nikelle Nielsen, Maren Orten, Berkley Peay, Paige Rees, Payton Reese, Gigi Skirucha, Brinklee Tebbs, Ellee Wilder, Sophie Wilson and Elisha Wong.

Lunt was assisted on the coaching staff by Bria Clark, Cameron Larsen, Baylie Clark, Christian Graf, Stephanie Sampson and Michelle Viveiros. λ