Education
Pioneer cheerleaders 5A region and state champs
Jennifer Thomas, Guest Writer | Lehi Free Press
The Lehi High School cheerleaders made a clean sweep of the region and state 5A competitions in January 2021. The varsity team took first place in Co-Ed Show Cheer, Varsity Timeout Dance and Varsity Cheer as well as the Sportsmanship Award. This is the second year in a row LHS has taken home the state title.
Cheerleading is not a “one man show.” It takes the heart, sweat, and sore muscles of the entire team to get something done. This season has been unique, filled with adversity and challenges, but the Pioneer cheer squad has worked hard to overcome difficulties and be their best.
Lehi High School head cheer coach Jena Anderson said, “This year has been challenging for this team and all other teams. We have faced injuries, quarantines and cheering at games with limited fans. The cheerleaders fought and kept a great attitude as they worked hard to make the best of this unique year. This has been a fabulous group of athletes to coach. I am so proud of them.”
The Lehi cheer squad is coached by Anderson, Codi Butterfield, Desi Larson, and Valerie Finlinson. Choreographers are Emily Whitney and Macee Madsen. The varsity team captains are Marlee Lotaki, Shelby Barber, Maisey Guenther, Matti Butterfield, and Bentley Whiteley. The JV team captains are Rachel Hoopes, Payton Harward, and Kilyn Thompson.
“When I engraved ‘let’s do it again’ on last year’s state ring, I was not joking!” said Marlee Lotaki of the back-to-back state wins.
