Photo by Heather Kleiboer
The Mabel-Canton cheer squad won awards at a national, virtual competition that was organized in Everett, Wash., to offer a unique opportunity for so many cheerleaders who were so often sidelined during a pandemic winter. In individual competition, Katelyn Kleiboer earned individual honors in that national virtual event as well as a scholarship in a statewide competition sponsored by the Minnesota Cheerleading Coaches Association (MCCA). The Cougar team, coached by Heather Kleiboer, also includes Jenny Reenalda, Savannah Phillips and Grace Solberg.
Sideline Sweetheart Top 5
The Cougars entered videos in four competition categories – fight song, band dance, timeout cheers and offensive/defensive cheers. Mabel-Canton placed among the top five in two categories and earned enough total points to place fifth in the overall team competition, thus recognized as an “Ultimate Sideline Sweetheart Team.”
“The greatest thing about going virtual is that we got to compete against teams from across the country,” said Coach Kleiboer. “We did better than I thought, being this was our first time.”
Three M-C veterans also entered their skills in the individual competition, which included five categories. According to their coach, Reenalda, Kleiboer and Solberg all scored very well. Kleiboer placed first for her offensive cheer and second for her fight song and earned enough points to finish fifth overall and be honored as an “Ultimate Sideline Sweetheart.”
Minnesota Honor team
Katelyn Kleiboer was awarded a $1,000 scholarship as one of the top four senior scholar cheerleaders in Minnesota. Written applications were accepted by seniors with a GPA of 3.5 or higher (A average) and evaluated on community service and leadership as well. The MCCA named Kleiboer one of the 21 cheerleaders named to the Honor Team of Excellence, which qualified her to apply for one of seven scholarships. She was one of only four to be awarded the top prize – a $1,000 scholarship.
Mabel-Canton has one of the few high school cheerleading squads in southeastern Minnesota, dedicated to supporting the athletic endeavors of their fellow students. With tireless guidance from Coach Kleiboer, these hard-working girls have earned respect and acclaim far beyond the local playing fields and gymnasiums.