The Kamehameha Schools varsity cheerleaders captured their fourth championship in six years at the Universal Cheerleaders Association National High School Championships this past weekend at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Fla.

"We just emphasized to the girls, believe in yourself, believe in each other, and together we can really make a dream come true," said coach Melissa Beimes.

The event drew more than 8,000 participants competing in 18 different divisions.

Fighting back from falls in the preliminary round, Kamehameha executed a near flawless routine in the semifinals. Kamehameha beat 21 other teams to emerge with the Small Varsity Champion title.

Kamehameha finished with 708 points, Centennial High School (Georgia) second with 702 points and Madison Centeral High (New York) third at 692.

Kalaheo and Kailua High also had strong performances and advanced to the semifinal rounds.

"We have come a long way since 2000 when we failed to advance from preliminaries and found inspiration from the National Champion Judson team," said coach Dolly Wong. "We were impressed by the strength of their single based stunting and decided our program would someday compete with the best."

For a complete listing of the results of the competition click on the following link:

http://www.varsity.com/vwired/08nhscc.asp?page=smvar

For video of the routine click on the following link then search for "Kamehameha Small Varsity Finals":

http://www.varsity.com/vwired/08nhscc.asp?page=webcast#set

CHARGERS CAPTURE DUEL IN THE DESERT CROWN

Pearl City High School took first in the Duel in the Desert Spirit Sport Cheerleading and Dance National Championship this past weekend in Palm Springs, Calif.

"They're excited. It's Pearl City High School's first national championship," said Kimi Golonka, a former Kahuku High cheerleader in her first year at Pearl City.

The all-girls Pearl City team competed in the medium varsity (high school age, 12 or fewer), edging out Westlake High (California).

"A lot of different schools were excited to see us because we had a little hula in our routine. So lots of the fans would ask about us. We made lots of friends."