PF cheer team takes Grand Champion title

POST FALLS — Post Falls parent Douglas Patterson’s children have participated in all kinds of sports, from golf to football, but one in particular really stands out to him.

“Since I became the dad of a daughter, the sport that tugs my heart strings more than any other is cheerleading,” Patterson said. “I get emotional when I tell you how hard cheerleaders work.”

Patterson’s daughter, Alannah, a Post Falls High School senior, is part of the 23-member Post Falls High School cheer team. Jan. 29, the team took home the title of District Grand Champions qualifying them to compete at state finals in Nampa, Idaho, on Feb. 12.

“They’re the only sport that supports all other sports, but also has their own sports competition and a state championship,” Patterson said.

The Patterson family travels every Saturday for cheer competitions, and attends most of the games Alannah cheers at, Patterson said. The team has been to Moscow, Spirit Lake and Rathdrum this year.

Alannah, 17, has been involved in cheerleading for four years. Her mom wanted her to be more involved with other students as she entered high school and surprised her by signing her up for cheerleading, Alannah said. Two years later she became a member of the Trojans.

“I tried out, made the team and worked incredibly hard to get where I am today,” Alannah said.

Consisting of three boys and 20 girls, the cheer team’s season begins in July with cheer camp and extends through March. Cheering at Trojan sports games is “priority No. 1,” Coach Leslie Shamion said.

“Their main objective is always supporting Trojan athletics,” Shamion said. “They cheer for football and basketball, and are full-time students, while training their own routines.”

“They have a lot on their plates to manage. I’m so proud of these kids,” Shamion said. “The competition is a bonus; getting to compete is a reward for doing everything else well.”

Cheerleading is as grueling an activity as any other sport, though it isn’t officially recognized by the National Collegiate Athletic Association as one.

“They are often injured, sick, bruised and tired. My daughter worked through a concerning concussion along with COVID this past month,” Patterson said. “They spent countless hours at school on nights and weekends, sometimes as early as 5 a.m. on Saturdays, often to cheer for another sport which caused them to have to practice at odd times so they can work their routines for upcoming cheer competitions.”

Shamion has coached the team for about the past six years, and is constantly inspired by the athletes on the team.

As the team gears up for Nampa, they are also preparing for Trojan boys and girls regional sporting events too. Many of them also hold down jobs, Shamion said. Alannah works as a server at a senior living center, while managing cheer, being a full time student, and preparing for college next year.

Alannah plans to attend Boise State University or the University of Idaho, and major in business and finance.

Between practice and cheering at games, the cheerleaders frequently put in up to 20 hours of practice a week, Alannah said.

“It’s so wonderful to get to work with these kids,” Shamion said. “They are so driven, and so hard working.”

The Post Falls cheer team will compete in four events: Show, Pom, Sideline and Stunt. Only a small number of schools even qualify for state, Shamion said.

“We’re really excited. We feel extremely confident and sure in our routines,” Alannah said. “We’re happy to be able to have the opportunity to show what we represent as a school and as a team.”

Alannah credits the support of her dad as she pursues her goals.

“He’s definitely been by my side,” Alannah said. “I wouldn’t have the confidence level I have without him. He’s my No. 1 support system.”