Inspire Training Center Team Eclipse earns gold at All Star World Championship
Pictured (l-r) for the Eclipse World Champion team are Danni Fizer-Attinger of Peebles, McKenslee Cooper of Peebles, Karli Brotherton of Fayetteville, Aubriauna Nelson of Hillsboro, Gabriella Crowe of Mount Orab, Grace Wiseman of New Vienna, Reece Bryson of Hillsboro, Sarah Johansen of Chillicothe, Georgia Baucom of Hillsboro, Saxony Burns of Sardinia, Aria Ruble of Hillsboro, Morgan Brotherton of Fayetteville, Miah Collins of Seaman, Beau Barnhart of West Union, Dakota Barnhart of West Union and Aubree Ratliff of Winchester. (Submitted photos)
Local athletes from Inspire Training Center (ITC) earned gold, triumphing at the prestigious All Star World Championship, the world’s largest all-star cheerleading competition held in Orlando, Fla.
Among 1,663 competing teams and over 24,000 all-star athletes worldwide, ITC Team Eclipse emerged as the 2024 World Champion Junior Level 4.2 team, claiming the coveted gold medal.
Guided by dedicated coaches Mallori Johansen and Jenna Coleman, Team Eclipse demonstrated exceptional skill and determination throughout the competition.
“My coach heart is so happy,” Coach Johansen said. “The tears have been flowing. I have been coaching some of these kids for over five years, and watching our small gym athletes in this moment has been something I have never experienced. Small towns know what hard work and dedication is, and I truly believe that is why we are the 2024 ASW Champions.”
Team Eclipse members include Beau Barnhart of West Union, Dakota Barnhart of West Union, Georgia Baucom of Hillsboro, Karli Brotherton of Fayetteville, Morgan Brotherton of Fayetteville, Reece Bryson of Hillsboro, Saxony Burns of Sardinia, Miah Collins of Seaman, McKenslee Cooper of Peebles, Gabriella Crowe of Mount Orab, Danni Fizer-Attinger of Peebles, Sarah Johansen of Chillicothe, Aubriauna Nelson of Hillsboro, Aubree Ratliff of Winchester, Aria Ruble of Hillsboro and Grace Wiseman of New Vienna.
The journey to victory was challenging. Teams earned bids through tough competitions spanning October to March, showcasing their talent and dedication at every step. With two elite teams, Twilight and Eclipse, qualifying to represent ITC at Worlds this year, excitement was high.
Coach Coleman remarked, “Our teams headed to Florida ranked in the top 10 from their combined competition scores during the season. Twilight ranked #7 in the 2024 National Rankings for all Elite Youth Level 2 Teams in the world. Level 2 is one of the most competitively crowded levels with over 200 teams. Eclipse ranked #1 in the 2024 National Rankings for all Junior Level 4.2 teams. This ranking earned them a paid bid, which was a huge reward for their performance throughout the season.”
At the All Star World Championship, held in front of over 50,000 spectators, both Twilight and Eclipse showcased their prowess. While Twilight made it to the finalists round on Day 2 and placed 32nd out of 80-plus teams, Eclipse clinched the top spot, solidifying their status as the 2024 World Champion Junior Level 4.2 Extra Small Team.
The Twilight team includes members Beau Barnhart of West Union, Dakota Barnhart of West Union, Georgia Baucom of Hillsboro, Reece Bryson of Hillsboro, Baillee Combs of Sardinia, Landry Dorsey of Georgetown, Annabella Dozier of Hillsboro, Clara Dozier of Hillsboro, Charlee Kiley of Hillsboro, Aubriauna Nelson of Hillsboro, Aubree Ratliff of Winchester, Aria Ruble of Hillsboro, Zoey Sawyers of Georgetown, Avery Severn of Sardinia and Peighton Stevens of Winchester.
“We are so proud of Twilight for making it to Day 2. This is such a huge accomplishment,” Johansen said. “These athletes showed us how important it is to put in the hard work and dedication all season long. They are helping us build a small gym legacy. This team holds the highest score record in the gym, and that’s always something to be proud of.”
Becki Crum, owner of Inspire Training Center, emphasized the holistic approach to training, stating, “Through teaching fundamentals of this sport, our athletes also learn important life skills, they will take with them beyond our program.”
Competitive cheerleading at ITC isn’t just about winning titles; it’s about nurturing individuals who embody teamwork, discipline and resilience.
The success of both Team Eclipse and Team Twilight at the All Star World Championship not only highlights their exceptional talent but also serves as a testament to the unwavering dedication and support of the entire ITC community.
Publisher's note: A free press is critical to having well-informed voters and citizens. While some news organizations opt for paid websites or costly paywalls, The Highland County Press has maintained a free newspaper and website for the last 25 years for our community. If you would like to contribute to this service, it would be greatly appreciated. Donations may be made to: The Highland County Press, P.O. Box 849, Hillsboro, Ohio 45133. Please include "for website" on the memo line.
