TC Tornadoes storm cheer competition

Tiffin Columbian served early notice that its cheer squad is going to be difficult to beat again this season. Having won their last two state competitions but having to work their way through a significant loss to graduation, the Tornadoes came out on top in the Varsity Division Saturday in the 30th annual Seneca County Fair Cheerleading Competition in the fairgrounds' Entertainment Building. Columbian finished ahead of runner-up Calvert and third-place Lakota in the judging of Cassie Bump, Maranda Butter and Rajah Little. "Our program lost eight seniors from last year, so we've been working endlessly to make sure that we were prepared," said Keesha Lawrence, who is co-coach of the Columbian team with Jami Hepp. The Tornadoes presented a power-packed, up-tempo routine that featured a good amount of tumbling and showmanship. "One thing that keeps going through my mind is entertaining the crowd," Hepp said. "That's always been what our team does very well." The competition opened the season for Columbian, which, despite the graduation losses, again harbors high hopes. And, of course, it's never bad for a team to beat its in-city rival. "It was very exciting," Tornadoes senior Salah Price said. "I like being able to kick off the season here at home and then getting on the road to go to state. And I like that we get to compete against Calvert and I'm happy that we got to beat them this year." Price said the victory provides a steppingstone for the squad. "It really helps get our confidence going," she said. "If we do well here, we have that confidence to build on during the season." Hepp and Lawrence said they're proud that the youngsters people see representing the school on the sidelines for football and basketball games are the same ones who do so in competition. That's not the case at all other schools. One of those competitors, senior Carlie Hall, had to sit out Saturday's competition, but she expects to be back in action by the start of the football season. "I'm out with an injury, but I love coming to watch and support my team," she said. No more than two teams were entered in any other division of the competition. Carey won the Junior High Division over Tiffin Middle School. The Blue Devils also beat Arcadia in the Youth and Mini Divisions, and Arcadia defeated Carey in the Tiny Division.