All Star Squads Bring Home Two Championships at MCDA Arch Madness
Gem City Cheer had an incredible showing at the MCDA Arch Madness competition in Collinsville, Illinois, held January 31–February 1. Both all-star squads brought home championship titles, earning two first-place finishes and making it a weekend to remember.
Both teams competed over two days and showed exactly what growth looks like in action—improving their scores on day two after already strong performances on day one. That kind of progress speaks to their determination, focus, and commitment to the process.
One of the best parts of sports is learning how to overcome adversity, and our senior team was truly tested this weekend. All-star cheer is unpredictable by nature and demands constant teamwork and trust. These athletes met every challenge head-on and rose when it mattered most.
The senior level 2 elite squad is coached by Hope Huff and Ashley Schralla. The youth level 1 elite squad is coached by Rylee Mellon and Christian Klingele. You can read more about our all star cheer program here.
Individual Competition Highlights
We’re also proud to celebrate some standout individual achievements:
- Payton Palmer – 1st Place Junior Jumps
- Kaylin Vazquez-Epperson – 1st Place Senior Tumbling
- Christian Klingele – 1st Place Super Senior Jumps & 1st Place Super Senior Tumbling
The wins didn’t stop on the mat. Our Gem City families and friends proudly earned Best Fans of the Weekend honors. Your energy and support make all the difference.
We love our gym family and couldn’t be prouder of these athletes. Way to go, Gem City—you made us shine.
