ZANESVILLE — The Muskingum Cheer Classic will bring 40 teams and nearly 500 athletes to Muskingum University on Sunday, Nov. 1, for a full day of cheerleading competition, according to a community announcement reported by the Zanesville Times Recorder.
The annual event draws participants from across Ohio, the Zanesville Times Recorder reported. Recreational and youth programs, middle and high school teams, and both sideline and competitive squads are scheduled to perform their routines, with competitors including the West Muskingum JV Youth League and Zanesville youth cheerleaders.
Teams will compete in traditional cheer and gameday divisions while also vying for honors in the event’s Jump-off and tumble-off specialty competitions, according to the Zanesville Times Recorder. Participants will contend for first place within their respective age and size divisions, as well as specialty banners and the overall grand champion title.
The competition gives squads an opportunity to showcase their routines and measure their performances against teams from around the state early in the season, the Zanesville Times Recorder reported. For many of the youngest athletes, the Classic is one of the first chances to perform on a college campus in front of a large crowd.
Spectators can purchase tickets at the door for $5 to $10, and organizers recommend bringing cash, according to the Zanesville Times Recorder. Concessions and vendors will be available in the concourse throughout the event.
Attendees are also encouraged to donate canned goods for the event’s annual food drive, which supports the College Drive Presbyterian Church Food Bank, the Zanesville Times Recorder reported. The food drive has become a standing part of the Classic, pairing the competition with support for local families.
Events like the Classic also give local programs a shared stage close to home. Youth league and school squads from Muskingum County will perform on the same floor as teams traveling in from across Ohio, and coaches use the early-season competition to test routines, stunts and tumbling passes before the winter season moves into full swing.
The Muskingum Cheer Classic takes place Sunday, Nov. 1, at Muskingum University in New Concord, just east of Zanesville. Doors and ticket sales are handled at the venue on the day of the event, and spectators are reminded to bring cash for tickets and a canned good for the food drive if they are able.