Bethlehem Catholic's varsity competition cheerleading squad recently returned from the 2013 National High School Cheerleading Championships in Orlando, Fl., ending the 2012-2013 competition season for the Hawks.

"Our main goals were to score 30 or higher in the cheer and to get to semifinals, which we did," said Becahi captain, Ali Wildman.

Out of 42 teams representing 13 states, the Hawks placed 18th.

"I am so proud of the team," said Becahi cheerleading coach Brenda Michalska.

The Hawks, who competed in the small varsity division, competed twice, advancing from prelims to semi-finals.

Becahi's routine began with team tumbling, advancing to partner stunts.

"We did kick fulls, reloaded into full-ups to libs, came down and went back up into switch-ups to heel stretches to arabesques to waterfall outs," Wildman explained.

Next, the Hawks performed the cheer portion of their routine, followed by the dance, running tumbling, and a final pyramid.

"It was really exciting, especially the days building up to it, and when we got there, it was just an explosion of enthusiasm," said Wildman.

The Hawks also built friendships with cheerleading squads from other states, most noteably, Cathedral High School, who won fourth place in their division.

"They were all really nice. We talked to them more [as the days went on], and then we ended up supporting them [during finals]," Wildman said.

The UCA National High School Cheerleading Championships are the most prestigious cheerleading championships in the country. Held at Walt Disney Resort, they are televised on ESPN.