In The News: Tigers roar to fifth straight state title

Written by: Seth Gordon, Newberg Graphic 

Newberg moves to a co-ed division, but still posts the highest score of any team at the competition

PORTLAND — With the addition of senior Adam Markle, everything was different for the Newberg cheerleading team, yet nothing changed.

The Tigers entered the season having won four consecutive OSAA 6A small division state championships and adding the first male in the competition team's history raised the stakes, but the team wasn't about to lower its lofty expectations.

After Saturday's performance at Memorial Coliseum, it seems there was little to worry about as Newberg stormed to its first 6A co-ed small division state title and fifth straight state championship overall.

"It means a lot to us," senior Katelyn Russo said about keeping the streak alive. "We knew going into a new division that we were going to have to try really hard and make sure everything we did was over the top and perfect. I think without our coaches we wouldn't have been able to do it."

In order to avoid complacency and stay on top, coach Lisa Berg adds new elements and increases the difficulty of its routines each year.

"It was definitely a step up this year," Berg said. "We did double-ups that were incredible this year for our team to hit. We pulled them out for state because we had a couple of tough weeks. The snow kind of backed everything up with not a lot of practice. But they embraced it and hit it. Every year they get a little stronger."

The Tigers scored 210.90 to win their division by 10.2 points over runner-up David Douglas, but were also the highest scoring team in any division, with 5A champion South Albany being the only other team to crack the 200-point barrier at 204.4.

"I think we put out the best routine we've ever done this season," Russo said. "I think we were all extremely pleased with it. We couldn't have done any better."

Despite not having any cheerleading experience entering the season, Markle worked his way up the ranks to earn a spot on the varsity squad by season's end, impressing everyone on the team. Berg said she never anticipated him event competing with the varsity squad, but he proved that he deserved his spot.

"It changed the whole dynamic of our cheer team, it was awesome," Berg said. "It was fresh. It's somebody coming in and watching them from ground zero, not having any experience, and then absolutely get at the level that we're at winning state four years in a row."

Members of the team had been trying to recruit Markle for several years and although it was a bit different having a male on the team, otherwise he fit right in.

"Adam brings such a great presence to the team," senior captain Kalia Thornton said. "He is the one who brings such happiness. It would be totally different without him."

Markle said he was hesitant to join, in part because he didn't think a male would be allowed on the team, but wishes he would have signed up earlier.

"I could see over the last four years all they accomplished and I just wanted to be a part of it," Markle said. "It's a great sport. I love the adrenaline and the rush. I love the teaching style of the coaches. They really make it like a family and we're all connected, so it's been really nice."