Panther Cheer Takes First in Portales
by John Earp
Last Saturday in Portales, the Jal High School Cheer Team competed against several teams at a cheer competition in Portales. Participating teams included Santa Rosa, Melrose, Texico, Fort Sumner, Springer, and Jal. Jal Cheer took first place in the “Cheer with Music” category, and 2nd place in the “Game Day” category.
Of her team, Martinez says, “I just want them to know that I recognize how hard it is, because they get pulled in every which direction, they get asked to cheer for everything, and on top of college, on top of school, and then on top of me giving them workouts before practice, it’s a lot of work for them mentally. And for them to just come in with a smile and have them work on what they need to work on without too much backtalk. It’s refreshing because they love it as much as I do and they want to win.”
JHS 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 January 31st in Las Cruces. This meet will include teams from across the state, though it is not the NMAA-sanctioned one, which will be on March 21st in Albuquerque. Panther Cheer will participate in that meet as well.