LAYTON ≠ The Northridge High School cheerleaders have had an amazing 1999-2000 year so far, shining as one of the best cheerleading squads in the state.

In December, the team finished in first place in the Region 1 cheerleading competition, and then went on to take a fourth place finish in the 5A State competition.

With a superior rating at state, the girls headed to Orlando Florida for the National Competition, where they took home a fourth place finish. At nationals, the team had to learn more stunts than were required of them in the previous contests.

"We had to change a lot of things from region and state," said Northridge advisor Jill Holbrook, who is in her first year as the Knights' advisor. "They were able to pull it all together. We didn't drop one stunt at nationals."

Holbrook credits her team's toughness, as cheerleading often results in bumps and bruises to the body.

"One thing about this team, is that they're not babies," she said. "They're also really good with motivation. They really wanted to go to nationals and do good."

She praised the Northridge cheerleading team's captains and officers for being strong leaders and performers throughout the year.

"We have really good officers," she said. "They've really done a remarkable job."

Those officers are: Michelle Smith, Krystal Peek, Kandy Yamashita and Britanie Bingham. Holbrook is assisted in advising the cheerleading team by Kim Shaw.