November 13, 2009 | Story by: Lindsey Chester | Categories: Cary High, Green Hope, Sports
Usually high school cheerleading squads encourage “other” teams to do their best. Last Saturday at the Raleigh Convention Center it was their turn to be cheered on. The North Carolina High School Athletic Association (NCHSAA) hosted high schools from around the state who came to compete for titles in Junior Varsity and Varsity categories.
How do they compete? Each team creates an original 2-1/2 minute routine that must include a pyramid, tumble sequence, a 1 minute cheer, and a dance all set to an original mix of music. These routines are then scored with deductions for falls and imperfect tumbling, with points added for originality and synchronicity.
In Small Varsity (under 15 athletes) Athens Drive finished 2nd. Competing against 18 other teams, Cary High ( Medium Varsity, 15-17 team members) finished 6th with a great routine scoring 240 points and a bid to Nationals. Leesville Road knocked it out of the park with their first place finish in that category.
Holly Springs High competed in Large Varsity (18-19 athletes) and scored 255 to earn a second place behind Weddington High from Mathews, NC.
Madison Keesling flies high for Green Hope Falcons
Green Hope almost scratched after key flyer Cristen Harden sprained her ankle Friday night during practice. Coach Nicole Reed called an early Saturday morning practice to rework the routine and the team managed to come out in 5th with 237.5 points in Super Varsity (20-21 athletes). Cardinal Gibbons was edged out and surprised by Broughton High who won with a perfect routine.
Many of these teams will meet again at the Tri-9 competition on Thursday, December 3rd at Holly Springs High School and again in the spring for the Wake County Cheer competition. Time enough for them to work out any kinks hopefully recover from injuries.
