The Phil Campbell Bobcat cheerleading squads recently attended cheer camp at the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa, and the Bobcat girls brought home a boatload of awards for their efforts.

“I am proud of this squad,” said Amy Gunderman, Phil Campbell’s varsity cheer coach. “They did an awesome job carrying out the tradition of PCHS cheerleaders.”

The varsity squad won first place in several categories, including game day overall, rally routine, sideline and cheer.

Lexi Crittenden was chosen All-American and given the opportunity to go to London. Janie Grace Gonzalez, who serves as the Bobcat mascot “Bruiser,” got the All-American award for mascots and the chance to go to London. She also won a Superior Champion trophy and the mascot jump-off competition.

Rachel McCleese and Grace-lyn Habada won the Pin-it-Forward award. McCleese also made it to the final round of the jump-off competition.

“These girls were happy, got along well and were leaders the entire time,” said Gunderman. “I’m so happy for them.”

The Bobcat junior high squad also had a good week. The squad received second place in sideline and was named champion in cheer and overall gameday. Emma Hutcheson won All-American for the junior high squad.

“I am so proud of my squad,” said Phil Campbell junior high cheer coach Whitney Hutcheson. “I have four new members, and three were sixth–graders. All four have never cheered before. There were several squads in our competition, and they all worked very hard. We can’t wait for football season.”