Carson High School cheerleaders heading to USA High School Spirit Nationals in Anaheim, Calif

The Carson High School varsity cheerleading squad earned a trip to the spirit nationals.

The cheerleaders won United Spirit Association USA Open 2015 Division Championship Sunday at the University of California-Davis. With the win, the team earns a spot in the USA High School Spirit Nationals in Anaheim, Calif. The competition consisted of teams from Nevada, California, Arizona and Utah.

“We weren’t anticipating to do so well,” Adviser Sheila Story said about competing against the California schools. She cited coach Mikayla Story and the team’s creativity with the win.

“They rocked it” Mikayla said about the routine. “They hit almost ever part of the routine and performed better than they ever had in practice.”

In order for the varsity cheerleaders to go to the national competition and represent Carson High School the team is seeking fundraising help. It will cost about $8,000 to send the 20 girl varsity team to Anaheim in March.

Sheila Story said the team had stopped competing years ago, but just decided to compete this year. The team finished second at Del Campo High School in Fair Oaks, Calif.

“Competitions are a way for them to express themselves and compete as athletes,” Mikayla said. “I wanted them to be proud and have trophies of their own.”

In addition to the varsity squad, Carson Junior Varsity team won second place in its division and the Carson Freshman team won its division.

“All the teams did really well,” Sheila said.

Those interested in helping can contact coach Sheila Story at 775-283-1675 or coach Mikayla Story at 775-720-9476. Donations can be sent to Carson High School, Attn: Carson High School Varsity Cheerleading Team, 1111 N. Saliman Road, Carson City 89702.

“They are super excited,” Mikayla said. “We have five weeks to prepare and we are really going to have to step up our game and work our butts off to beat some of the Southern California teams.”