Despite recent injuries, Freedom’s cheerleaders competed in the EPC Cheerleading Championships last Wednesday at Easton Area Middle School where they placed 10th out of 15 squads.

“We had a couple injuries so it was hard but we worked around it. I thought it was good. I was pretty impressed,” said Patriot captain Jordan Collins. “I know we could have done better, but for all the injuries, I thought it turned out pretty good.”

Easton’s cheerleaders won the competition and Nazareth was the runner-up. Both squads received medals. Bethlehem Catholic placed third, Stroudsburg was fourth, and Emmaus placed fifth.

Freedom’s routine began with tumbling, followed by basket tosses, partner stunts, a pyramid, the cheer, jumps, a dance, and an ending pyramid.

Freedom captain Madison Fey suffered an injury at practice the week before the competition and could only root from the sideline.

“No one really replaced me. We just had to move around a couple of the girls. One of the stunts didn’t actually go up because there weren’t enough people,” said Fey. “It was nerve-racking not being able to physically help them at all. They pulled it together in the end because practices were a little rough, and I was a little worried today, but I think they did good.”

The District XI competition is scheduled for Jan. 4 at Easton Area Middle School.