Jal Takes First in NMSU Cheer Competition
By John Earp
Last weekend, the Jal Panthers Cheer Team traveled to Las Cruces to participate in the New Mexico State Cheer Competition. The Lady Panthers Cheer Team won first in both the “Game Day” and “Cheer with Music” categories.
Panther Cheerleaders 2025-2026 include: (Seniors) Janice Ramirez, Amyrra Stone, Ebany Aguilar, and Jaden Mendoza, (Juniors) Yahaira Amaro, Olivia Ramirez, Emery Melancon, Yaracely Juarez, Alejandra Mendoza, Ruby Gallegos, Issela Mendoza, Amylah Melancon, (Sophomores) Elizabeth Lujan and Leilene Chavez, (Freshman) Marsi Gomez, (8th Graders) Ayerim Veliz, Fatima Flores, Jesslyn Estrada, Claire Seifts, Sydnee Navarrette, and Bella Sanchez. Managers are Estrella Santillan and Malidy Arriaga. The JHS Cheer Team is headed up by Coach Katia Martinez, with Assistant Cheer Coach Priscilla Zamora heading up the tumbling and gymnastics practices.
The Panther Cheer Team has their next cheer competition coming up February 14th at Lovington High School for the Lea County Spirit Classic, followed by the NMAA-sanctioned State Championship which will be on March 20th and 21st in Albuquerque.
Teams participating in the competition at New Mexico State University included the Alamogordo Tigers, Artesia Bulldogs, Belen Eagles, Booker T. Washington Elementary, Borderland Junior Stars, Borderland Stars Elite, Borderland Tombaugh, Camino Real Middle School, Camino Real Silver Stars, Capitan Tigers, Chaparral Lobos, Chaparral Middle School, Corre High School, Deming High School, El Paso Threat, Fairacres, Kobs Coed, Kozko Academy, Idea Horizon Vista Academy, Jormada Thunder, Kingdom Elite, Las Cruces High, Los Alamos High, Lovington Wildcats, Mayfield High, Mesilla Elementary, Miss Luna, Monte Vista, New Mexico Renegades, Organ Mountain, Roswell High, Santa Fe High, Santa Teresa, Sierra Middle School, Silver High, Silver Middle School, Socorro High, Sonoma Elementary, and St. Michael’s.