Having an unblemished record in 2019 entering Saturday gave Lexington reason for optimism in its quest to claim the S.C. High School League Class 5A competitive cheer title at Colonial Life Arena.
The reigning champions from Chapin, however, were more than determined to keep the trophy. They also wanted to give their beloved head coach a 14th state title in her apparent "Last Ride" with the team.
With both teams putting forth their best efforts, it came down to the final tally by the judges. After the Lady Wildcats were announced as the runner-up, the Lady Eagles and their equally escastic fans in attendance erupted minutes later upon being named the Class 5A champion for the 2nd straight year.
"I'm just have to say that this is probably my last year coaching and I'm so proud of them," Chapin head coach Vicki Williams said. "I didn't care what place we got. I just wanted them to hit and do real well and that's what it's all about because they worked so hard as a team and that's what it's all about."
Chapin outpointed Lexington 369-365, followed by River Bluff in third place with 362 points. Dutch Fork (320) placed 5th and White Knoll (292) was 10th as all 5 Region 5-5A teams placed in the Top 10.
Co-captains Ashley Miller and Mary Grace Galloway said religious preparation leading up to the state finals was key to their victory.
"We practiced 4 hours, 5 hours," 'Galloway said. "We practiced during school during Power Hour for our lunch break. We practiced in the morning before school because we realized halfway through the year that we weren't going to let anyone take this from us so we practiced our butts off.
"It's all in the heart," Miller said. "The heart of a champion. This year, every single person on our team wanted it more than person that I've ever known and all it took was heart and passion and we did it."
Both agree this was the "most rewarding" state championship and redemption from what they thought was a less than subpar effort in last year's victory. In addition to a new head coach, the Lady Eagles will have to replace 8 seniors who were a part of 4 state championships.
Other results from Saturday saw Gray Collegiate Academy place 5th and Gilbert 7th in Class 3A and Brookland-Cayce and Airport finish in 7th and 10 place, respectively, in Class 4A.