OREGON CITY -- After about 13 hours of cheerleading, ten state champions were crowned on Friday and Saturday, February 13-14, at Oregon City High School. In total, 48 state trophies were distributed. Some were repeat winners, but many were not.
The Friday Game Day divisions had many surprises. In the 3A/2A/1A Game Day division, Westside Christian, who were expected contenders, came out on top. They beat out Creswell, Scio, and Rogue River also earned team trophies.
In the 4A Game Day division, North Marion swooped in for the win by besting the two-time state champion, Baker. The Huskies from North Marion have not won a state championship since 2012, ending a 14 year drought. Philomath, Molalla, Baker and Pendleton finished 2nd-5th respectively. The top three teams in the division had zero deductions.
Churchill was a surprise upset in the 5A Game Day division taking down Thurston by a half point. The Lancers also ended a long dry spell of winning a state title. The last year they brought home the coveted blue trophy was in 2003. Thurston, Central, Crater and Wilsonville finished 2nd-5th, respectively.
South Salem won the Saxon's first state title in cheerleading, taking home the state championship in the 6A Game Day division. Grants Pass, David Douglas, Forest Grove and Lake Oswego rounded out the podium.
Saturday's Traditional divisions had fewer surprises. In the 3A/2A/1A division, Santiam Christian repeated and brought home the state championship. This is the school's fourth state title since 2019, following titles 2019, 2020 and 2025. Yamhill-Carlton, Glide, Elmira and Pleasant Hill finished 2nd-5th respectively. The top three teams in the division had zero deductions.
Newberg took home the 6A Small title once again for its 13th state championship since 2012, but the first one with a new coaching staff. Westview, Roseburg, Sherwood and Aloha finished 2nd-5th respectively.
Sweet Home reclaimed the top spot in the 4A division. After seven runner-up finishes and not claiming the title since 2016, the blue trophy is back home with the Huskies. Newport placed second and Cascade placed third.
Many would say that the top seven teams in the 5A division could be contenders for the title. In what could be argued as the deepest division of the year, Lebanon reclaimed the state championship, its first in the division since 2023. Crescent Valley, Caldera, South Albany and Summit finished 2nd-5th respectively.
West Linn reclaimed the top spot in the 6A Large division. After winning their first state title in school history in 2024, they now have a second title to place in the trophy case. Lakeridge placed second, followed by Mountainside in third.
Gladstone secured its six-consecutive state championship after winning the 4A/3A/2A/1A Coed title. The Dalles placed second, and Junction City placed third.
In the 6A/5A Coed division, the title stays with Tualatin following a performance with zero deductions. West Albany, South Medford, Redmond, and Oregon City finished 2nd-5th, respectively.
Lebanon, Roseburg, Gladstone and West Albany were named the Leslie Maley Creative Choreography award winners.
The curtain is now closed on the 2026 Oregon Cheerleading season. Although the poms are put away and competition practices have ended, there is no doubt that these dedicated coaches are already making plans for the 2027 season.
osaatoday@osaa.org
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