Double the Victory: MVHS and MVMS CHEER are STATE CHAMPIONS
Mt. Vernon Community School Corporation is celebrating double the excitement as both the Mt. Vernon High School (MVHS) and Mt. Vernon Middle School (MVMS) cheer teams have earned state championship titles!
Through dedication, teamwork, and approximately 12-15 hours of practice each week, these spirited Marauders have demonstrated what it means to work toward a shared goal. Leading up to these competitions, the majority of the girls joined a tumbling class outside of the cheer team, which allowed them to use a spring floor and other equipment to gain skills.
MVHS girls' cheer team claimed the 4A division state championship for the first time since 2014, showcasing the talent, precision, and teamwork they have developed throughout the season. MVHS Cheer competed at several competitions from early September through its state championship victory on November 7, 2026, at Brownsburg High School. Their accomplishment reflects each athlete's commitment and their coaches' guidance, setting an exciting example for future Marauder athletes.
Jordan Sell has been MVHS’s Head Cheer Coach for nine years. She also teaches fifth-grade students at Mt. Vernon Intermediate School. She shared her excitement about her team, stating, "I think it was their dedication to believing in the process. When the year started, I said, ' Let's set some goals for ourselves, and I helped to give them what I thought would be the best chance for us to be competitive and make a run."
The MVMS girls' cheer team captured first place out of 12 teams at state, crowning an extraordinary undefeated season with a state championship title. Head Coach Courtney Zumwalt exclaimed, “They are a great team. They're hard-working. We have a really good understanding of how each other works, what everyone is capable of, what their strong points are, and where they're not as strong. We built the team around that.”
The connection between the two programs has also helped create a welcoming environment for younger athletes. MVHS invited MVMS Cheer to perform at a few football games, including homecoming, providing another opportunity for the teams to connect and build camaraderie. MVMS Coach Zumwalt shared, “They've really made our girls feel so welcome when they practice with them, and also when our girls are invited to perform with them at high school events.”
MVHS Coach Sell, a former cheerleader herself, shared, “It's really exciting that the middle school won state; I even said if we hadn't won, just the fact that what they're doing at the middle school is going to be amazing coming forward to the high school.”
Both MVHS and MVMS cheer teams commit to cheer the entire school year, including competition season, football, and basketball games. MV cheer will continue practicing to cheer for sports events and the following season's competitions.
Earning state championships with both MVHS and MVMS cheer teams is an incredible accomplishment for Mt. Vernon Community School Corporation and a source of pride for the student-athletes, coaches, and everyone who supported them throughout the season. Mt. Vernon is proud of the Marauder Cheerleaders and thrilled to celebrate their remarkable state championship achievements.
