Often times when one thinks of sports, one will bring to mind team sports such as basketball, baseball, or football. Most of the time, cheerleading and dance are not even spoken with the word sports associated to the activity. This could be a general mistake. The competitors in these sports compete and train just as hard and are dedicated to their sport just as any other athlete.
The time that is spent preparing to perform before an audience is extreme. The after product of hard work and determination is the outcome that an audience sees when attending a sporting event such as basketball.
The girls that dance, cheer, and yell encouraging words to their home team are the results of practice. The girls performing have dedication not only to their hobby, but also to their school who they encourage.
The spirit of a cheerleader or drill team member is usually positive. The encouraging words along with the entertainment that the squad brings to audiences and teams alike, seems to bring a smile to just about anyone’s face.
Often times, these athletes are overlooked. That is why the regional cheerleading and drill team tournament served as a reminder that these are indeed sports.
The tournament this year was held at Helper Junior High on March 7. Parents, friends, and supporters packed the gym to cheer for those who cheer for everyone else. The roles had turned, and competitors enjoyed being center court.
Several categories allowed the competitors to display their talents while being judged. The competition was not only exciting for the performers, but for all who watched.
The region only has two drill teams. The two squads danced and entertained while competing strongly for the tournament titles. Both Helper and Canyon View competed in the drill team events, and both teams proved what hard work does pay off.
Helper walked away with first place winnings in all drill team events including the categories of military, prop, dance and novelty. The girls were excited not only to win, but to also be able to display their talents before a home crowd.
The cheerleading events were extremely competitive. The judges had their work cut out for them in naming the best squad in each category.
The Helper Junior High Rams swept the competition in the cheer events. The five member team placed first in each category. Although the other teams were strong in numbers, the Rams proved to be the strongest in competition.
The Mont Harmon Pirates placed second in the cheer category of competition cheer, while San Rafael placed second in both incorporated cheer and competition dance categories.
The tournament served as a time for these girls to shine in the spotlight, instead of hiding in the shadows cheering their school’s teams on.
Students dance, yell and cheer for championship
