Badger cheer hits goals and state honors

NAMPA — The Bonners Ferry High School cheerleading squad took second in stunt and fifth in show routines for the 3A All Girls State Competition.

Badger cheer had not competed since 2019 and had had only four girls on the team.

In the stunt routine, head coach Christian “Chris” Gaffield said the team received a deduction due to stepping on a sign mid-routine.

For the show routine, the Badgers were only four points behind fourth place and only 12 points behind first place winner Snake River.

Gaffield said the Badgers had minor issues with timing but hit every stunt and did well overall.

The Badgers received a police escort out of town by the Boundary County Sheriff’s Office around 5 a.m. on Feb. 10. They then traveled to Timberlake in order to share a charter bus down to the state competition. Just like at the district competition, the Badgers had cheered the night before.

Gaffield said the two teams may be against each other on the floor, but are still part of North Idaho and have learned a lot from each other. They are also friends.

“It is incredibly difficult for North Idaho teams to place against southern Idaho teams,” Gaffield said.

One Badger did receive an injury at the state competition when 20 seconds into the show routine, freshman flier Alyssa Gardner sprained her ankle. She received care from medical staff and then went out to perform the stunt routine, Gaffield said.

The Badgers coach said the team went out there and performed, which can be hard to do when everyone and your competition is looking at you. It can be intimidating to be in front of everyone.

“They left it all on the mat,” she added. “Girls gave everything they had. Many are looking forward to next year.”

Cheer’s competition season may be over, but the Badger Cheer will still be on the sidelines leading the crowd at the remainder boys basketball games.

Gaffield thanked Idaho Fish and Game Southwest Region staff for loaning practice space for Badger Cheer to warm up at the state competition.

Badger Cheer has grown from four girls to a dozen over the past few years. Gaffield said the team is still looking for a consistent, indoor practice space with tall ceilings to accommodate lifts and other stunts.

“We’re capable and adaptable to whatever space we can get. It is a challenge but we’ll make it work,” she said.

Badger cheer had four goals this season: maintain a 3.0 GPA, complete 10 hours of community service, make it to state and become a family. They completed every goal.

She added that every cheerleader met the requirements to letter for cheer. For some girls this was the first time they lettered. Gaffield said the graduating seniors on the squad will be missed.

“All of them have become a piece of my heart,” she said. “I hope they go on to cheer or lead and guide people around them.”

Badger cheer will be hosting tryouts in May and plans to have open gyms in the coming months. Gaffield encourages incoming freshmen, boys and girls to come out. She said the more athletes that compete will raise the caliber of the sport not just in Boundary County, but North Idaho.

Gaffield is looking forward to next season. The team has many exciting tricks and routines in their pipeline.