STARR’S MILL - Late Saturday afternoon, Jones County’s competition cheerleaders returned to Gray with a first-place trophy after winning their division in the Starr’s Mill Invitational.
The road of which they took to achieve those spoils of victory was one marked with having to dig deep and overcome adversity and the unexpected.
With Jones County on the floor performing its scheduled routine, things took an unexpected turn as one of the Cheer Hounds became in need of medical attention. As medical staff on hand provided care, the rest of the squad stood only a few feet away, circled up in prayer.
As Jones County’s cheerleader was able to be helped up on her feet and taken to receive further medical attention to the side of the competition floor, the rest of the squad retreated back to the warmup area, where they readied to do their routine again after being placed as the final team in the session’s order of teams.
Jones County rose to the occasion, executing their routine and embracing as one complete team with all of its members after their rotation was complete. The jubilation was not done, however. When the session awards were presented moments later, Jones County was announced as the division champion, sparked an emotional celebration among cheerleaders and coaches, including the Cheer Hound that was unable to finish the earlier routine.
Jones County returns to competition Saturday at Ola.
