LYONS – Richmond Hill High School Varsity Football/Competition Cheerleading Squad earned its fourth straight region title, defeating both South Effingham and Washington County high schools Saturday at the GHSA middle Georgia regional cheerleading competition at Toombs County High School.

"I am so proud of these girls I can’t even put it into words," said coach Wendy Dauphinee. "We had our best performance of the competition season and earned the right to be Region 3-AAA champions. The seven seniors on this squad stepped up to the plate when things got a little rocky and all the girls kept working incredibly hard, kept believing in themselves and are once again region champs."

The RHHS Varsity Football/Competition Squad also placed first in class AAA at competitions hosted by Richmond Hill, Vidalia, Effingham County and Toombs County high schools and second place at Camden County and East Laurens high schools. The competitive cheerleading season runs from September 1 through November 11.

"People unfamiliar with competitive cheerleading really have no idea how much time, talent and sheer athleticism it takes to be successful," explains Dauphinee. "These athletes condition all summer long and after Aug. 1 practice after school, weekends and holidays as well as cheer for the varsity football games.

It takes more than being a good athlete; it takes a huge commitment, both mentally and physically as well as determination and perseverance. These 17 young women certainly possess these attributes."

Retaining the Region 3-AAA title, secures the RHHS squad a spot in the state finals in Columbus at the Civic Center Saturday. There they will compete against the seven other Class-AAA finalists and the top eight triple-A squads who advance from the sectional competition Friday.

This will be the fourth straight year the squad has competed in the state finals where their goal is to finish in the top five.

GHSA (www.ghsa.net) competitive cheerleading is judged on cheerleading fundamentals such as jumping, tumbling, partner stunts and pyramids, required elements for dance, cheer and chants and overall execution for showmanship, transition and technique.