FORT WAYNE, Ind. --- The Bethel Competitive Cheer team competed at the Crossroads League Championship on Saturday afternoon, hosted by the University of Saint Francis (Ind.)
The Pilots placed fifth out of seven teams at the Hutzell Athletic Center, with Saturday's finals following the Friday preliminary round. Bethel finished ahead of the Marian Knights and the Huntington Foresters in the final standings.
The final competition scores were as follows:
| Place |
Institution |
Score |
| 1 |
Taylor |
90.63 |
| 2 |
Indiana Wesleyan |
90.24 |
| 3 |
Spring Arbor |
89.34 |
| 4 |
Saint Francis (IN) |
82.91 |
| 5 |
Bethel |
78.89 |
| 6 |
Marian |
75.25 |
| 7 |
Huntington |
69.13 |
Head Coach Lexie Sturgill shared, "This routine has been, by far, the most difficult and consistent routine our competitive cheer program has ever performed. The athletes have continued to rise to the challenge each week, and we are incredibly proud of the way they represented Bethel on the mat."
She continued, "Our goal has always been to honor the Lord through our efforts, and we are grateful for the way these athletes carry themselves as representatives of Christ and Bethel University. We are especially thankful for God's protection over our athletes and for His guiding hand throughout this entire season. Our program would not be where it is today without the Lord's faithfulness..."
Also highlighting the weekend were
Andrew Greene,
Payton Elder,
Paige Holwerda,
Allison Hoyt, and
Lilee Stetzel who earned Crossroads League honors.
Greene received First Team recognition for tumbling. Elder (tumbling and base), Holwerda (base), Hoyt (flyer), and Stetzel (flyer) each received honorable mention.
Regarding the conclusion of the season, Sturgill shared, "This competition also marked the final time on the mat with two incredible athletes,
Andrew Greene and Jojo Young...While we are sad to see their competitive careers come to an end, we are deeply grateful for everything they have contributed to Bethel Cheer...As we look ahead to next season, we do so with full reliance on the Lord. We are excited to see what He will bring and how He will continue to use this program to glorify Him."
For more information about Bethel Pilots Athletics, check out bupilots.com or follow us on Instagram, Facebook, or X by searching @bupilots or #TheRightWayToPlay.
