The Baldwin cheerleaders pose for a team photo at the state championships on Nov. 12. The Bears finished second overall. Courtesy photo

On Nov. 12, the Baldwin Bears cheerleaders took the mat at the Hawaii High School Athletic Association’s state championship with energy and precision, delivering a routine that left a lasting impression on the judges.

By the end of the competition, they had claimed the silver trophy, finishing just 0.117 points behind Moanalua.

It was a memorable moment for the Bears, who appreciated the opportunity to compete at the state level alongside Hawaii’s top-ranked teams. The Bears are celebrating their achievement while using it as motivation and fuel for next season.

For head coach Madison Murayama, the team exceeded all expectations and the tournament came with moments that will become long-lasting memories.

“All the hard work and sacrifices that happen behind the scenes — watching the team rise and perform at that level was truly special,” Murayama said. “It was validation of their commitment and growth throughout the season. Being able to give the kids the opportunity to showcase their skills and passion is rewarding in itself.”

Murayama said the team’s willingness to grow and physical and mental readiness will only help them prepare for next season, as the Bears will continue focusing on refining fundamentals, increasing strength and conditioning and setting individual and team goals.

“I hope to build on the momentum and push the team to an even higher level — both competitively and personally,” Murayama said. “My goal is to develop athletes who are confident, consistent and supportive of one another. If we stay focused and intentional, I believe we can keep up the success of the program.”

Looking back on the season, Murayama said it was a great year across the entire team for Baldwin, from the seasoned veterans who have been cheering throughout high school to the ones just starting out.

“This team’s unity and mental toughness was next level,” Murayama said. “This team consistently showed up ready to work even on days when they were facing challenges. They approached improvement with an open mind. That attitude not only helped us reach states but made coaching them genuinely enjoyable.”

The Bears’ roster includes Mia Magsayo, Kamaile Wickes, Olivia Losano, Channel Sumabat, Sierra Farias, Tayler Idemoto, Peyton Simeon, Anja Wilson, Alohilani Bantilan, Kairi Castro, Kaia Cernal-Day and Emma-Leigh Kanae Grove.

Also competing at state, Maui High did not place in the finals, but the experience was a great stepping stone for the Sabers. Focusing on discipline, accountability and owning their specific cheer positions, Maui Highʻs cheer team showed consistent development throughout the season.

The Maui High cheerleaders pose for a team photo after qualifying for the Hawaii High School Athletic Association State Championships on Nov. 12. Courtesy photo

The main goal for the Sabers was to do better this season than they have previously done before, and Maui High attained that goal, as the Sabers improved on both their placement as well as their score.

Head coach Shelby Ah Wah, said she relished witnessing the reactions on the cheerleaders’ faces after they had left all that they had on the mat.

“What I was most proud of was the pride on each girl’s face the moment they finished their routine,” Ah Wah said. “That confidence, that joy, and that sense of accomplishment meant more to me than anything else.”

And there are high hopes for next season to not only continue to improve their scoring numbers but also to build team participant numbers.

Coach Ah Wah is encouraging more students at Maui High to join the team to therefore increase their stunt groups, routine difficulty and overall presence of what it is like to represent the Sabers through the pride of cheer.