Monticello — The Wayne County Schools Junior Varsity Cheerleaders did an outstanding job at the Big Blue Challenge competition held at North Laurel High School on Saturday, January 9.

The local squad won the first place trophy for the small middle/junior high 2 1/2 minute routine. The event was sponsored and coordinated by former UK basketball player Jeff Sheppard, who interviewed the team after winning the award.

"The girls did a great job overcoming their nerves and doing what they needed to do to stick to their routine, " said local Cheerleading Coach Nikki Criswell. "I am really proud of them. "

Many of the squads competing at the event were primarily composed of seventh and eighth graders. Many of the local team members are younger, but are quite talented.

"This group of girls has been a real pleasure to work with this year and have worked very hard, " said Criswell. "If they continue to work hard we should expect great things in the next few years to come. "