The Ballard High School cheer team started the 2010-2011 season off strong by becoming champions at the UC Davis Cheer Camp Aug. 6 through Aug. 9 despite being the only team from Washington participating.

Coach Nancy Ellen Elster took the Beavers to California for the camp as a challenge. The team responded, with four varsity cheerleaders – Taylor Stern, Ashley Hart, Erica Redman and Grace Arends – being recognized as All-Americans.

The varsity team brought home trophies for the dance and cheer division. Ballard also received the leadership award.

“As coaches, we can give them skills, we can give them opportunities, but we cannot give them heart," Elster said. "This team has heart. A very special team indeed, and each and every one of them should be very proud of what they accomplished.”

The cheer team, which finished third in their division in last year's state competition, will make their 2010-2011 public debut at 5 p.m. Sept. 2 during the first Ballard High School football game of the season.