Medomak Valley High School won the 2011 KVAC Class B cheerleading championship Jan. 17 at the Augusta Civic Center with a near flawless routine.
Cheerleaders huddled on the floor, clinging to each other as officials announced the results, then exploded into the air when they found out the good news. This is the first time in school history that a Panther cheerleading squad has won the league championship.
Medomak scored 126.4 points to beat out second place Leavitt 121.3, 3. Gardiner 114.1, 4. Waterville 105.7, 5. Mt. View 96.6, 6. Oak Hill 96.2, 7. Winslow 92.2, 8. Nokomis 88.6, 9. MCI 85.3, and 10. Lincoln Academy 80.4.
“They did a really, really good job, I am very pleased with their performance,” coach Rachel Coor said. “We had a couple of bobbles on a couple of stunts that gave us some of the deductions,” Coor added of the Panthers’ near perfect performance.
“I’m very excited. This is a very talented team,” Coor added. The Panthers scored four points higher than in 2010 when they placed third. Coor credits the improvement to her teams’ work on their tumbling skills. Team members have worked with a gymnastics instructor once a week. “They worked hard in the off season and it is finally paying off. They have worked so hard, they deserve it,” Coor added. “We are absolutely thrilled. They worked so hard and are so deserving.”
If the Panthers work on steadying their stunts and “stay focused over the next month they have the potential to do some great things in February,” Coor said.
Medomak competes in the West Class B cheering championships on Jan. 29 at the Augusta Civic Center.
Cheering for Medomak are senior Daniel Moshier, juniors Brittany Alexander, Danica Bryant, Savannah Chamberlain, Chelsea Creamer, Taylor Pelkey, Chelsea Wedge, Jennifer Delano, Kelsie Grady, Michaela Melody, Jessica Prescott, Mollie Strunk and Charlene Wilbur; sophomores Haley Mank, Lori Meservey, Lyndsey Miller and Jennica Smith. The Panthers are coached by Rachel Coor and assisted by Heather Simmons, with Elizabeth Robinson managing the team.
Cheering for the Eagles of Lincoln Academy were Ciera Little, Kara-Lyn Poland, Marysa Poland, Kaydie Kaplinger, Sally Gardner-Smith, Niki Mahoney, Lily Winchenbach and Ashley Pooler (manager). The Eagles are coached by Danielle Feltis.
