K-W cheerleader makes All-State

Kenyon-Wanamingo may not be well known for cheerleading throughout the state, but one local athlete may be on her way to changing that.

During the competitive cheer season, which wrapped up in early February, the Minnesota Cheerleading Coaches Association (MCCA) named K-W cheerleader McKinley Budahn to the 2023-24 All State Competitive Team.

Budahn was one of 22 athletes that made the cut throughout the whole state, of the 59 that tried out. For Budahn, the recognition felt like a reward for all the hard work she’s put in this season.

“It made me feel really proud of myself,” she said, adding that she was honored to represent her school to the rest of the state.

Budahn had to submit an audition video, in which she chose to showcase her tumbling — the skill she sees as her primary strength as a cheerleader.

A freshman at K-W High School, Budahn performed on the elementary competition cheer team for several years before graduating to varsity. Her mother Alecia is thrilled to see the heights she has reached at such a young age.

“I was so proud of her, especially as a freshman. I think any athlete that can make an All-State team is a great accomplishment. Traditionally, we think of kids making All-State for volleyball or football, those kinds of sports. I think it’s great that the MCCA offers an opportunity for girls to be recognized for their achievements, and I think it’s great that McKinely was able to have coaches that supported her in trying out and making the team,” said Alecia.

In late January, the All-State team performed at the Minnesota State Cheer Competition in St. Paul. Budahn said the experience was nerve-racking at first, but she settled into it quickly.

“I was really nervous to get on that mat, but as soon as I stepped out into the bright lights and got on that mat — the adrenaline and everything, it was such a crazy feeling. That’s the main reason I do cheer, for that feeling,” she said.

Earlier this month, the K-W competition cheerleaders — elementary and varsity — got to display their talents during a community showcase held at Kenyon-Wanamingo Elementary School. Budahn said it was a “fun way to end the season.” Alecia noted that the event drew many friends and family members who rarely get to see the team in action, as most competitions are held in the Twin Cities.

“Cheer is not as prominent of a sport in Kenyon, so we can’t pull the same numbers that basketball or football might pull, so I thought that was a really good showing for the kids,” said Alecia.

That successful showcase and Budahn making All State offered an encouraging conclusion to what Alecia described as a “challenging year” for the team.

According to Alecia, they began the season with eight on the varsity team, which was eventually whittled down to five as athletes couldn’t stay for varying reasons.

While having so few does present challenges, the girls on the team have grown close. Three of them have been performing together since they were on the elementary team.

“A big part of cheerleading is trust, especially in stunts. So it makes it extremely easy to be able to trust those girls when I grew up with them,” said Budahn.

Having a team that she can rely upon is one of the main reasons Budahn finds cheer appealing, despite all the work that goes into it.

Alecia recalled last year as particularly taxing for them, as her daughter was competing on a competition cheer team in Rochester on Tuesday nights and getting up early for 6 a.m. practice in Kenyon on Wednesdays, followed by confirmation after class.

“There were so many days where I was exhausted. I didn’t know how she kept going, doing school and all of her activities,” said Alecia.

Budahn acknowledged her routine can be hard to juggle, but that it’s worth it because she’s passionate about cheer.

In addition to teaching time management and cooperation, Alecia said cheer challenges athletes just like any other sport.

“She comes back from practices and she’s been dropped or they’ve had hard tumble sessions. Their muscles are sore. Conditioning is intense,” she said. “It takes dedication, it takes hard training and it takes everyone giving it their all to make that team succeed.”

She also noted the team is always looking for more to join.