Medomak Valley Panthers collected their second straight state runner-up plaque at the Class B cheering championships at the Augusta Civic Center Feb. 8. Medomak was hoping to win gold, and unseat three time defending champs Hermon but the Hawks performed their routine flawlessly to score 148.2 points and earn their fourth straight State title.
The Panthers scored 142.8, a 15 point improvement over their West B championship score two weeks earlier, but had to settle for silver. Ellsworth was third with 132.9, followed by Leavitt 132.3, Old Town 130.4, Wells 121.8, Presque Isle 117.5, John Bapst 116.8, Lake Region 115.8, Carrabec 114.8, Morse 106, and Freeport 9.9.
While most schools can only dream of collecting some hardware at a Regional or State championship, Medomak has brought home their share of silver and gold, but state gold has eluded them. Medomak coach Rachel Coor has coached Rockland and a team in Colorado to state titles, and hoped to do the same at Medomak Valley, her alma mata.
“They were disappointed,” Coor said. “I get that there are a whole lot of other teams that would like to get a plaque. The goal was win a state championship, but that is just the way the cookie crumbles. We could not be prouder. They have nothing to be ashamed of. Shania Melvin and Stephanie Hill had spectacular performances. That group will always be number one in my eyes.”
“I have watched the replay. It was the quickest three minutes of my life. It was darn near perfect. Hermon out scored us a little bit in stunting category. That was it,” Coor said of the difference between the two teams.
Medomak reworked their entire routine in the two weeks between Regionals and States to beef up their routine and give Hermon a run for their money for the State title. Their efforts, while falling short of their goal, improved their score by 15 points.
“They have worked so hard,” Coor said.
“We are very proud of them,” Medomak assistant coach Heather Simmons said. “They made huge strides in the past two weeks, with a completely reworked routine. It was good enough for Regionals, but they knew they had to improve to have a chance (at winning States). They worked hard. They are a phenomenal group of young ladies, a true definition of a team, Especially with a small team, everyone was willing to pick up the slack where they needed. Everyone was willing to say what can I do to help. The more utility people you have to fill in the better you are.”
“Everyone worked hard to prepare for the state championships. It is unheard of for kids to do a completely different routine in just two weeks. It is incredible. I can’t say enough about their drive. We all came up with a plan, and decided this is what we are going to do. It was frustrating but so rewarding,” Simmons said.
Medomak has qualified to compete at New England’s in Lawrence, Mass. on March 22. “I would love to take them. It needs to be approved by school board first,” Coor said.
Coor is stepping down as head coach next year. In her six years at the helm, with Simmons assisting, the Panthers have qualified for States five times. They have won two KVAC championships, a Jamie Beth Schible most improved award, four straight West B Regional titles, one Regional runner-up trophy, and two State Class B runner-up trophies.
“It is quite remarkable what Rachel was able to do in such a short time,” MVHS Athletic Director Matt Lash said. “She has worked extremely hard to institute a program philosophy from varsity, middle school, to the pee-wee level. All veteran coaches know that is the formula for success. She is a very talented choreographer who designed her own routines. Rachel set the bar high and the girls worked hard for her. I know she is very proud of all the girls who came through the program. She is leaving it in great shape for her (successor). We thank Rachel for her commitment, time, and energy she gave MVHS and the program. We wish her and her family all the best.”
During the season, Medomak and Gardiner partnered up for a practice/scrimmage. The Panthers went to Gardiner as a team and did a combined practice with them. Cheerleaders from opposite teams were paired up. When one team performed their partner watched them and critiqued them. “It was really cool. It taught the kids, that while they may be rivals, they have a lot more in common than the kids realized,” Coor said.
Gardiner ended up beating Medomak at KVAC but had a poor performance at Regionals and did not make States. The Tiger team showed up at States in force however to cheer on Medomak. They made up snack bags and included a personal note to their partner.
“It epitomized cheerfulness in cheerleading,” Coor said. “The sportsmanship aspect of it was great. It taught them there is more than just a uniform on kids from another school,” Coor said.
Coor will be attending law school next fall. “It is something I have wanted to do for 10 years. It is the next chapter for me. I really hope Heather (Simmons) gets the (coaching) job.”
“If I am selected (as new head coach), I hope to continue with the success of the program. I learned from a great teacher in Rachel. I hope to continue with the program, and do the community proud, and to be the coach the girls expect,” Simmons said.
