After nearly a decade without entering a cheer event, Coupeville High School returned to competition Saturday, Dec. 1, at Bellarmine Prep in Tacoma.

The Wolves, with only seven days of practice under their belts, finished second in the small game day division.

“The way the kids performed had us all in tears,” coach BreAnna Boon said. “As a coach, to see your kids being so elated with the work they did is such an indescribable feeling. We live streamed it for the parents, and they were crying watching too.

“The work they have accomplished in seven practices is nothing like I have ever seen before. To say I am proud of them is an understatement.

“Most of them have never seen a cheerleading competition before. So to go and perform at one and bring home a second place really feels like a win for all of us.”

Captain Ja’ Tarya Hoskins said, “It was a good first time after not competing for so long. We will keep working, and our second place was only the beginning.”

Cheerleader Marenna Rebischke-Smith said, “Winners aren’t people who never fail, but people who never quit.”

She added that she is confident that the Wolves will qualify for February’s state championships.

Thirty-two schools competed at Bellarmine.

Coupeville will compete in events on Cheerleader Marenna Rebischke-Smith says “Winners aren’t

people who never fail, but people who never quit.” Marenna also said that feels confident that if they keep trying they can make it to the State competition in February.Dec. 8 and 15 and Jan. 5 and 12. The state finals are Feb. 2 at Battleground.