The Monte Vista Christian School varsity cheer team competed at the 2012 United Spirit Association High School Spirit Nationals on March 31-April 1 in Anaheim, and won first place in our division.
The members of the team are Alex Aldridge, Amy Anderson, Karisa Brown, Ashley Burdick, Erika Dutton, Dominique Falcone, Sarah Govan, Juliana Hennig, Emma Krebs, Clara Mandlhate, Colette Menezes, Hayley Peterson, Sara Reichel, Sabrina Rose, Jordan Souza, and Isabelle Swing. Their Varsity Coach is Estee Martin, and Assistant Varsity Coach is Alexxa Craton.
“This was our first competition at this level,” said Coach Estee. “More than 9,000 cheerleaders were there, with 20,000 people in the audience. We knew we had to give a routine that was flawless.”
Team captain Alex Aldridge said, “We practiced constantly, even on Saturdays. Our team of 16 girls has become a sisterhood,” she said. “The biggest factor in winning was the heart we put into it. It was 100% worth it.”
Co-captain Sara Reichel added, “We all dedicate our lives to this sport--not just for a season, but year-round.”
Alex has been involved in cheerleading for 14 years, and said she can’t picture her life without it. Sara started 4 years ago when she was a high school freshman, and encourages students who are considering the sport to get involved.
Coach Estee said that the road to winning was suspenseful. “First we had to win a bid at the regional competition last January, where we came in first among 10 teams. Then at the Friday semi-finals in Anaheim, we made it to the top five in a much tougher field. At that point, we knew we had a chance to place in the top three on Saturday. When the judges announced that we won first place, the feeling was indescribable. The girls went crazy!”
“At the competition, we dedicated our routine to the Lord,” Alex said. “It’s great to be able to do that as a team.”
Coach Estee said that the spiritual growth that the girls have experienced over the past year has been an important part of their lives. “I always tell them that they are cheerleaders, but that they truly cheer for the Leader!”
Stephen Sharp said, “As far as bringing a crowd to its feet, encouraging teams, parents, peers, Monte Vista cheerleaders are second to none. We are so proud of this team.”
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Back row (L to R) Erika Dutton, Sarah Govan, Clara Mandlhate, Alex Aldridge, Amy Anderson, Dominique Falcone, Sabrina Rose, Emma Krebs
Center row (L to R) Juliana Hennig, Isabelle Swing, Karisa Brown, Ashley Burdick
Front row (L to R): Colette Menezes, Hayley Peterson, Sara Reichel, Jordan Souza
(Photo by Steve Kiebus)
