BeCaHi Cheerleaders Earn Bid to Nationals

Editor's Note: In a previous version of this story that appeared earlier in the week, we reported that the Bethlehem Catholic High School cheerleaders had fallen short in their bid for a national tournament berth. We are sorry for the error and any distress it may have caused the proud parents of these girls. Good luck in Florida, girls. Go Hawks! 

The Bethlehem Catholic High School cheerleading squad performed an enthusiastic routine which stirred the crowd to cheer along at Sunday's Pocono Regional Cheer Competition.

Even more importantly, the performance earned the Hawks a coveted spot in the National High School Cheer Championship in February.

Competitive cheer squads, both from the area and from neighboring states, converged at Kutztown University. This represented the last opportunity these squads would have to qualify for the national tournament.

The Hawks, coming off a win at last week's Easton Cheer Competition, faced stiff competition, with a total of 12 teams competing in the Medium Varsity bracket, all vying for a bid to the nationals.

The high-spirited girls, who danced to the music while waiting for the judges to tally results. BeCaHi finished ninth in their category, which was good enough for the national bid.

The Lehigh Valley area will be well represented at the National Tournament since Southern Lehigh (Large Varsity) and Easton, Whitehall and Wilson (Small Varsity) all were awarded bids to the national tournament.  Southern Lehigh finished an impressive first place, while Easton, Whitehall and Wilson placed fourth, fifth and seventh respectively.

The national tournament will be held Feb. 12-13, 2011, in Orlando, Florida.