The Dreadnaughts claimed a third straight national championship in the super varsity non-tumbling division Feb. 9 at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando with a score of 88, ousting Warren High School (84), Wellington High School (82.4) and Plymouth Whitesmarsh High School (77.8), which were the other three teams who made it out of the semifinals.
“Each one is special but this year the kids worked to have a comeback after losing at state to Wellington by 0.4 points. We scored higher in difficulty at UCA Nationals. The kids were really excited to come back a week later and beat Wellington by 5.2 points,” Lakeland head cheer coach Crystal Abdon said.
In a cinematic performance, Lakeland avenged the state championship outcome. In state, Lakeland dropped from first to second because of a fall, which cost the program two points. This vaulted Wellington to the top at state.
“We have competed against each other for several years now. They are a great program and executed their routine without any deductions today,” Abdon previously said.
Lakeland, though, ultimately etched its name in history.