The Competition Cheer Team competed in the United Spirit Association National Competition at the Anaheim Convention Center, competing in the semifinals on Feb. 23 and finals on Feb. 24. They ultimately got fourth place in the Super Large Varsity Show Cheer Novice division.
The first day of competition in their division included 10 teams. The top four teams continued on to the finals, which the Dons qualified for by placing third.
“I think we did a lot better on Saturday,” said junior Lauren Carmichael. “We did good both [days], but on Saturday we really took our evaluation into consideration for how to progress.”
In both performances, the Dons did not drop any flyers or step out of bounds, meaning zero execution deductions. Routines are given scores of up to 100 points based on stunts, dance technique, jumps and overall spirit. The Dons scored 89 in each of their performances.
“That’s a pretty big accomplishment for us because we’ve never been to finals,” said senior India Bazlamit. “Last year, we placed 12th place and we didn’t make it to finals, so it’s a pretty big step for us.”
This is the first year that the Dons have qualified for Nationals. In order to qualify, a team must score at least 70 points at a regional competition. The Dons scored 92 points in a regional competition at Deer Valley High School in Antioch, California.
“We extended the practices to five days a week for the weeks right before nationals,” Bazlamit said. “We also went to California All Stars, which is a gym in Livermore, and they choreographed our routine and everything.”
This marks the end of the Competition Team’s season. However, the regular cheer team will perform at the end-of-year rally and next year’s roster will be assembled in April, and begin preparing for next season.
