Carthage Advances to UIL Spirit State Finals

Photo credit: Donovan Bridgeforth

FORT WORTH, Texas (TXAN 24) — The Carthage High School cheer team advanced past the preliminary round at the UIL Spirit State Championships, earning a spot in the finals and securing its place among the top teams in Texas in its division.

By finishing inside the top 20 during the state qualifying round, Carthage officially became a UIL Spirit State finalist, advancing through one of the most competitive cuts of the championship. Preliminary performances are judged on crowd-leading elements including fight song, band chant, and execution.

All scores reset for finals, placing every advancing team on equal footing as championship placements are decided.

Carthage’s advancement reflects months of preparation and consistency on a statewide stage, representing East Texas among Texas’ elite spirit programs.

Only a limited number of teams advance beyond prelims each year, making the Bulldogs’ run to finals a notable achievement.