Medomak Valley Cheerleaders Defend KVAC Title

The Medomak Valley High School cheerleaders successfully defended their Kennebec Valley Athletic Conference Class B championship on Jan. 22, at the Augusta Civic Center.

The Panthers scored 63.8 points to beat out Leavitt 62, Winslow 55.9, Morse 53.2, Erskine Academy 45.15, Nokomis 43.6, Belfast 38.1, Lawrence 36.7, Brewer 36, Lincoln Academy 35.9, and Gardiner 29.2.

This was the first time in two years that cheerleaders performed in front of a crowd in a competition. The 2021 KVAC championship was done virtually.

In the past 12 years, Medomak has won nine KVAC cheering championships, and have been runners-up three times, including in 2012 to Leavitt, 2014 to Gardiner, and 2020 to Leavitt.

Medomak Valley had to change up its routine twice in the past two weeks, due to missing athletes due to COVID-19.

“We were not the only team dealing with COVID, injuries, and grades. It is a win just to be there,” Coach Heather Simmons said.

“They have worked extremely hard. Their routines have a high skill set, so it takes months to perfect them. We were very fortunate they can adapt in this difficult situation,” Simmons said. She credits sophomore Alyssa Grindle for stepping up and quickly filling in at the base position.

“I am extremely proud” of this team, Simmons said of her cheerleaders stepping up and getting the job done after losing a teammate last week and another this past week leading up to KVACs.

The good news for the Panther squad is that both girls will return to action in time for South Class B Regionals, which will be held at the Augusta Civic Center on Saturday, Jan. 29. Medomak Valley takes the floor at 5 p.m.

“When they return, we will look completely different,” Simmons said.  “We are going to work hard, stay positive, and stay motivated.”

Medomak has won 10 straight regional titles from 2011-2020. There was no regional and state competition last season due to COVID-19.