By KEN HAMWEY,

Bulletin Sports Writer

Bellingham High’s winter cheerleading team is a national champion.

Coach Tracey Elliott’s squad captured first place in the Small Advanced Co-ed Division of the AmeriCheer International Competition by beating teams primarily from New York, New Jersey and Massachusetts. The Blackhawks competed at Universal Studios in Orlando, Fla., in March.

The BHS contingent participated in the two-day event by performing a 2½-minute routine each day. The routines included motion, dancing, pyramids, stunts and tumbling.

“The keys to our first-place finish were our energy and execution,’’ Elliott emphasized. “Our routine was difficult, but the squad performed very well in front of a panel of six judges. They were a bit nervous but did a great job supporting one another.’’

The team’s two-day performances earned them a large, first-place trophy.’’

Another accolade included Elliott winning Coach of the Year honors. “I was humbled to be selected,’’ she said. “All the coaches at the event are an amazing group. Selection was based on my history as a coach (10 years at BHS), and letters of recommendation by current team members, former Bellingham cheerleaders and parents.’’

BHS needed to excel in three previous competitions to qualify for the national event. The Blackhawks captured second-place honors at the Tri Valley League meet in Bellingham, then advanced to the Regionals where they finished fourth at Framingham. At the State meet at Worcester State University, BHS tied for third with Duxbury, enabling the Blackhawks to move on to the Nationals.

The cheerleading team that competed in the national meet included seniors Marissa Dell and Gabriel Egan; juniors Abigail Walker, Siarra Darrigo, Natalie Doran, Lyric Healy and Amelia Sanford; freshmen Madeleine Egan and Olivia Walker; eighth-grader Aibhlinn Cunningham; seventh-grader Bridget Walsh; and two alternates — freshmen Juliet Cardova-Flynn and Stella Lane.

“The team all received jackets,’’ Elliott noted. “When we returned to Bellingham, I gave the large trophy to Athletic Director Michael Connor. It’s too large for our trophy cases, but I’m sure he’ll find a good place for it.’’

Elliott’s advice to her team during the season stressed “to be better than yesterday.’’ Those words hit the mark, and thanks to top-notch execution, the BHS cheerleading team advanced all the way to Orlando, Fla.

Now, they’re national champions.