The cheer team and dance team had an amazing weekend. Both teams competed in the AAA Conference Championship, with cheer bringing home first place and dance bringing home third place.

The past couple of weeks the varsity cheer team has been working harder than ever in order to rock their last competition of the year. The girls have battled through bruises, injuries and countless hours of practice that paid off.

The girls got to the competition early so they could support the dancers. After watching the dance team, the cheerleaders went back to their dressing room to stretch and prepare. They then warmed up stunts, jumps and tumbling until it was time for them to perform. All of the stunts hit, tumbling was all together and the dance was sharp.

“After the routine I felt very good about it. It was one of the best performances we had done. I think we had fun with it, and we weren’t nervous and I think that’s what made it so good,” said freshman Liz Petruso.

The girls then watched the other squads and waited hopefully. When it was time for awards, the girls formed a circle and held hands, hoping for a good outcome. The judges first announced third place-Borgia and then second place-Christian. After not being called for second or third place, the cheerleaders were confident they had received first. Finally the judges announced first place-St. Dominic.

“I remember looking up after they called third for Borgia and second for Christian, and I was right across from Coach Meghan and she was crying. They called St. Dominic, and I was up so fast jumping up and down crying and hugging all the seniors,” said senior Grace Patton.

The dance team also had an exciting weekend. After meeting together, the dancers made their way to the dressing room were they stretched and prepared themselves. After running through their routine and a brief warmup, they made their way backstage to await their chance to perform.

The dancers performed a lyrical routine to “Joy” by Ellie Goulding. Overall, the routine went very well and the girls were happy with their performance. They loved performing together and leaving it all on the floor.

“In this routine, we really get to dance for each other and do what we love together, which is such an amazing feeling, and something I definitely will never forget,” said sophomore McKayla Overton.

When it was time for awards, the dancers were nervous but excited. They all came together and awaited the announcement. After much anticipation, the girls ended up coming in third, falling behind to Borgia and Fulton. However, they were very happy with their placement against their tough competitors.

“Our performance yesterday felt amazing! It felt stronger than when we competed at the past two competitions. I was so happy when we got third, considering we were competing our lyrical dance against all the other dancers from the other schools! I’m so proud of my team,” said sophomore Halie Hebron.

Congratulations to both the cheer and dance teams for their outstanding wins! We wish you luck on the rest of your season.