Cheerleading Places First at State (UPDATE: Watch video of winning routine)

Manitou Springs Cheer 2014 State Champions - Alice Stoneback

Aubrey Hall, Reporter

All were abuzz with anticipation last Saturday, December 6, as our cheerleaders prepared to compete at the Denver Coliseum.

After some brief practice, pep talks, and team photos, the girls took the floor. They performed to the song “Centuries” by Fall Out Boy, as well as a cheer that included our school mascot and colors.

When the finalists for 3A cheer were announced, it had been narrowed down to Manitou Springs, St. Mary’s, Sterling, and Faith Christian. Manitou had scored a 75.525 in the preliminaries, putting us in third, just ahead of Sterling.

After all finalists had performed their routines, each team gathered on the mat and awaited the announcement of the judges’ decision. Eventually, it was announced that Manitou had taken first place, with St. Mary’s placing second. Our final score was an 83.15. The Manitou cheer team took second place at State last year, and first place the two years prior to that.