The Ballard Beavers cheerleading team hosted the WSCCA High School Regional JV State and All Star State Cheerleading Championships last Saturday.

Over 30 high schools competed to earn bids to go to State. In addition, over 40 all-star cheer squads contested for the State Champion title.

Ballard is in the medium division based on the size of their team. They will compete against nine other schools.

Earlier last week as Ballard prepared for the event, Coach Nancy Ellen-Elster expressed confidence in her Beavers.

"We are doing real well. We are a young team working hard. Every time we raise the bar, they; meet it," said Ellen-Elster.

Under the leadership of Ellen-Elster, Ballard won the Washington Cheerleading Association Championship in 2004, beating perennial powerhouse Oak Harbor.

Last year Oak Harbor won the national championship.

Since first entering cheerleading tournaments in 2003, the Beavers have won their share of awards.

In 2005, Ballard was first in the Emerald Cup and the Thomas Jefferson Regional. That same year, the team traveled to West Coast Championships in San Diego.

Ellen-Elster is assisted by Robby Sortore who comes up with the competition routines.

Ballard cheerleaders have performed at a Seattle Seahawks game, serve as school ambassadors at games and school functions.

Ballard High has hosted a number of cheerleading events due in part to parents of current and former students who volunteer their time, said Ellen-Elster.

Volunteers help run the tournaments and concession stands. One alumni donates the use of 1,000 tables and chairs from Grand Event Rentals.

Visit http://www.wscca.com for the final results.