The Union Local cheerleading squad poses for a photo after winning the OVAC 3A championship Saturday at WesBanco Arena in Wheeling. In the front row, from left, are Gwen Gibson, Kayelynn McBride, Addison Greenwood, Emma Davis and Emilie Blawut. In the back row, from left, are coach Amy Latham, Emberlyn Kovacs, Farah Bryant, Taylor Kildow, Laila Moore, Caelyn Crooks, Morganne Emory, Peyson Stupak and coach Mady Brown. (Photo Provided)

WHEELING — Saturday at WesBanco Arena was a chapter in the history books for the Union Local Jets, who saw their cheer team win their first ever OVAC title, one of seven champions crowned in different classes and categories in the OVAC Cheer Competition.

“It was very exciting. They did well in a very tough division, 3A has a lot of very talented teams,” Union Local head coach Amy Latham said. “It was the first time in the history of the school that we won an OVAC cheering title.”

It was an achievement that Latham had on her team’s minds going into the competition.

“That had been the goal,” Latham said.

Union Local won their school’s first title with a score of 350. Barnesville came in second with a score of 347.8 and Wheeling Central came in third with a 342.6.

That Jets’ season continues at Nationals next week at Disney World, and on Feb. 22 in OHSAA competition.

In the non-tumbling routine portion of the competition, Bridgeport took first place in the small-school division and Edison took first place in the large school division.

Cameron won gold in 1A, while Shadyside won 2A, St. Clairsville won 4A and Wheeling Park won 5A. St. Clairsville and Wheeling Park were repeat champions.