RATHDRUM — Bonners Ferry cheerleaders were named the 3A grand champions at the Lakeland Holiday Classic cheer tournament on Dec. 10.

The cheerleading squad had their best performance to date and finished nearly every routine without any deductions, Bonners Ferry Cheer coach Christina “Chris” Gaffield said.

The Badgers may have been the only 3A squad in attendance, but their scores were high enough to rank them with neighboring schools and were only four points behind 5A Post Falls High School, Gaffield said.

There was talk of looping Badger cheer into another classification, but scheduling interfered and the squad would be subject to different rules, she said. The Lakeland Classic is usually a smaller competition and is an opportunity for the team to work out kinks, have fun and gain experience.

The team had one deduction in the stunt category due to the girls being too strong, she said.

“They have been putting in the hard work at practice and I’m proud of where they are going,” she said.

Evenlyn Chaney, a first-year cheerleader, said the competition was a little nerve-wracking when performing, but she overcame it due to her prior performing experience with other activities.

“I performed the trumpet in front of 6,000 people during the 2022 National FFA Convention & Expo in Indianapolis,” she said, shrugging off the jitters.

Badger cheer did not compete last year and for many returning squad members this was their first time competing.

It was for co-captain Rylee Myer, who told the Herald the competition was stressful, but that she learned more about other cheer programs and the sport as a whole.

Gaffield said she is incredibly proud of the girls' hard work and wants them to get the recognition for doing a flawless routine.

“They left it all on the mat,” she said.

Badger cheer's next competition is at Lakeland High School on Jan. 21. Admission is $5.

There is more to come from the cheer squad, they will be tweaking and improving their routines before facing 3A Timberlake next year, Gaffield said.