Venice High recently hosted the CIF L.A. City Competitive Cheer Championships April 30. 

Venice came in third with 79.50 total points, while Reseda Charter took first with 84.00 total points and South Gate took second with 83.30 total points.    

Excitement for the championship was high with the gym overflowing with families from all over Los Angeles. Tension rose as technical difficulties appeared, but every team still supported each other. Cheers of support echoed throughout the competition.

    Senior Renee Shortt, a captain, is most proud that the team was able to hit every move and make its routine really sharp and clean. 

“We also didn’t have any deductions and we were able to work together and support each other the whole way through,” Shortt said. 

This was the highest the Venice High cheer team has scored during this season. Emotions were high with seniors as this was their last time performing, despite missing out on nearly two years of competing.

“I never thought I would be this sad to have that part of my life come to an end after performing,” said senior Raquel Saenzpardo, a captain. “Those emotions came very quickly. I am forever grateful to have experienced my time on the mat with this year’s team.”

Saenzpardo is most proud of seeing the push everyone gave themselves to give it all on the mat. 

“That routine gets tiring very quickly so to be able to see teammates motivate each other and ourselves was extremely heartwarming,” Saenzpardo said.