Win gives squad a reason to cheer
RACHEL MOSIER courtesy photo
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By Rachael M. Mosier
Capital High School
In November, a spray-painted sheet bearing the message “16 New Girls, 2 New Coaches, 1 New Title...School History” greeted the Capital High School cheerleaders on the Monday they returned from the regional cheerleading championship. There, the group was crowned Class AAA Region 3 champion.
Each year, cheerleading squads across the state compete in regional competitions in hopes of placing first or second so that they may advance to the state competition. Capital’s cheerleaders had a rigorous Monday through Saturday practice schedule in order to perfect their three-minute competition routine.
This routine consisted of a floor cheer followed by an “open” routine, which is accompanied by music. When it came time to perform, the cheerleaders gave it their all - completing pyramids, enunciating the words to their practiced cheer, dancing their best and doing gymnastics across the wooden floor, all while smiling and trying to get the crowd involved.
Prior to the regional competition on Nov. 5, the squad met at the high school to apply identical make-up and add even more hairspray to their ‘dos. When they arrived at the Charleston Civic Center, they had a pretty good idea of what to expect from the other squads.
During warm-ups, Capital’s squad was well prepared by head coach Tiffany McCann and assistant coach Sandy Fields. They kept their confidence up as they watched other squads’ routines. When it was their turn, the Capital cheerleaders took the floor and flawlessly executed every aspect of the routine they had been practicing for weeks.
At 2 p.m., the awards ceremony began. Competition director Suzanne Carte first announced the runner-up - Beckley’s Woodrow Wilson High School. She then announced the winner...Capital. Immediately the girls jumped to their feet and celebrated.
“I could not believe it,” said team member Jordan Myers. “Capital last participated in States 10 years ago, and now we won Regionals and are going [there again].”
“The girls have been working very hard. They are so dedicated and are very proud to be representing Capital High at the State Competition,” said Fields. “These girls have been very busy. They improved the image of the CHS cheerleaders and have all stuck together to make it this far.”
On Dec. 10, the Capital squad returned to the Charleston Civic Center for the state competition. They competed against Brooke, Wheeling Park, Bridgeport, Robert C. Byrd, Woodrow Wilson, Parkersburg and Spring Valley in the AAA division. Reining champions Brooke once again captured the state title, making it their sixth consecutive win. Capital finished in eighth place.
