The Ellsworth Community College Panther Cheerleading Competition Squad traveled to Chicago to compete in Co-Ed Junior College division JAMfest JAM-Bash Series on Sunday, March 9. The Panthers came away with a first place trophy and banner.

"We started our practices before Thanksgiving, working on what exactly we wanted to do for an accomplished routine," said ECC Head Coach Natalie Ostheimer. "After Christmas we hit practice hard for two hours every day, learning the stunts, dances, and routine."

Members of the Cheerleading Competition Squad include ‪Emma Bailey of Bondurant; Olivia Ballhagan of Parkersburg; Jenna Fitch of Ames; Brooke Kriener of Spillville; Amanda Bosch of Jewell; Ali Hines of Des Moines; Kara Cipperley of Des Moines; Meghan Heinz of Ackley; Shelby Tichy of State Center; Jess Eberl of Underwood; Alex Umbaugh of Adair; Charles Merriett of Brooklyn Park, MN; and Darryl Davis of Crystal, MN.

"I have never seen a group of kids work so hard," said Ostheimer. "The effort it took to go on that mat and perform for all those people and judges was incredible. I can't thank them enough for all their hard work through practices and performances. Some of these kids had never performed before and the fact that went out and got first just goes to shows hard work pays off! Thank you to all who have helped along the way."

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PHOTO CAPTION: ECC Cheerleading competition squad. Front row, left to right: Ali Hines, Shelby Tichy, Kara Cipperley, Jenna Fitch, Brooke Kriener and Emma Bailey. Back row: Jess Eberl, Olivia Ballhagan, ‪Charles Merriett, Darryl Davis, Alex Umbaugh, Meghan Heinz and Amanda Bosch.