On January 25th, the Powell High School cheerleaders and dance team traveled to Casper, Wyoming, to compete in the State Spirit competition. Each team was enlisted in two categories in the 3A division, excluding the cheers stunt routine which competed in the 4A division.
Both teams gave it their all, being judged on energy, emotion, sharpness, skill, and technique. The judges considered all aspects of the routine for the final score where they were placed.
“I was so very happy with how the team performed this year at state,” Cheer Coach Vicki Walsh said. “I truly believe when it was time to go out on the mat the kids gave it 110% and had the best performance they could give.”
The cheer squad placed fifth in their Game Day routine, while also placing third in their Co-Ed stunt routine.
I was very blessed this year with a very talented group of dancers. “The month before state they worked extremely hard, and all of their hard work paid off.
— Dance Coach Kelsi Koritnik
“I was very blessed this year with a very talented group of dancers,” Dance Coach Kelsi Koritnik said. “The month before state they worked extremely hard, and all of their hard work paid off.”
The dance team scored fifth for their hip-hop routine and placed runner-up for their jazz performance.
“I’m happy with how things ended,” senior cheerleader Kathryn Brence said. “It’s the highest we’ve placed in my four years of high school, and I’m glad to leave knowing we did our best.”
At this point in the year, both groups have created a strong bond that gives them the ability to work together and depend on each other. Considering they have the longest seasons, they value the partnership.
I think we did pretty good and together grew as a team. Spending time in a hotel room with each other definitely brought us closer.
— junior dancer Brittney Wambeke
“I think we did pretty good and together grew as a team,” junior dancer Brittney Wambeke said. “Spending time in a hotel room with each other definitely brought us closer.”
These competitions teach teams to work hard and be the best squad they can be. With both teams placing high this year, the bar has been set, creating new aspirations and goals for the next comp season.
“I want to work more on stunting and work to get a better placing at state in our Game Day category,” Walsh said. “We have so much talent coming back and I am excited for that.”
The dance coach holds a similar sentiment.
“My first goal is to grow the team,” Koritnik said. “I would like to see more students try out for the dance team this spring.”
