BOTHELL, Wash. — Bothell High School’s cheer team is chanting a little louder this week.
The Cougars took home a national title over the weekend.
What’s making the victory extra sweet?
The team was worried they wouldn’t be allowed to go to the competition because of a new district-wide rule.
“Our administration told us that we are no longer able to travel every year for Nationals. We can only travel every other year,” said Jaymie Gibbs, a squad volunteer with a daughter on the team.
The Northshore School District told KIRO 7 that its out-of-state travel rules didn’t apply to 2025 and that the big concern was the next year.
“The cheer team was always approved to attend 2025 Nationals if they qualified,” Carri Campbell, the district’s Executive Director of Communications and Engagement clarified.
Following the district’s expectations, so long as the team fundraised and paid for all costs associated with the trip, sent the athletic director an itemized list of costs associated with participation, and the team adhered to the school’s out-of-state field trip policy, it could go.
Campbell told KIRO 7 that the concerns regarding next year’s attendance have also been resolved.
“If students qualify next year, they may also attend,” she said.
The Cougars competed in five categories, walking away with a bronze, two silver medals, a gold, and a national title trophy.
The team says they completed two routines without any deductions and made it to the final round, ultimately placing fourth.
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