UKIAH, CA., 1/23/26 — The Ukiah High School Varsity Cheer team is heading to the School Cheer National Championship after taking top honors at a statewide championship in Bakersfield on Saturday.
The team earned first place at the JAMZ Cheer and Dance Cali Championship in varsity non-tumbling and achieved the highest overall score of the entire competition, which vaulted them into the Grand Champion stratosphere.
The Wildcats received a 95 percent score, surpassing hundreds of cheer teams across all divisions and levels. The Grand Champion title represents the highest competitive distinction awarded at the competition.
“This accomplishment reflects countless hours of preparation and a deep commitment to excellence,” said Ukiah Unified School District Superintendent Deb Kubin. “We are incredibly proud of how our athletes performed and represented Ukiah on a statewide stage. Congratulations to our coaches, and thank you to the families supporting these student athletes.”
Next stop for the Wildcats is the School Cheer National Championship in Las Vegas, where they will compete against top school-based cheer teams from across the country Feb. 19–21.