Staff Writer
BANGOR – The Central Aroostook High School cheering squad stunted and danced their way to first place in the Class D regional competition held at the Bangor Auditorium on Saturday. The Panthers competed among the combined eastern and western squads to take home the title plaque.
“We are very excited about winning,” said head coach Sami Allen. “It has been a long time coming. Coming in second for the last two years has been hard. We have worked extra hard this year and started practicing in the summer to come up with new ideas.”
The routine this year combined the talents of coaching staff and student-athletes alike.
The squad made up the cheer, while assistant coach Danielle Doughty created the dance portion. Allen calculated the precision stunting and tumbling that led to the triumph.
The Panthers scored 124.5 ahead of Machias and Bangor Christian, and will continue to the state level competition at the Augusta Civic Center on Saturday, Feb. 9.
At the Augusta competition the Panthers will have the opportunity to perform their routine two times for a combined score.
As a token of school and fan support, the squad will present their plaque to the athletic director, superintendent, principal and fans of Central Aroostook High School tonight before the Fort Fairfield matchup in basketball.
“We had a lot of support from our fans and we are hoping they will all make the long travel to Augusta,” said Allen. “We love our fans.”
The Presque Isle cheering squad performed in the Class B Eastern Maine portion of Saturday’s regional competition for ninth place. The top six teams will continue to states.
Contributed photo/Northwood Studio
THE MOMENT OF CELEBRATION. CAHS cheerleaders Ashley Brewer (in front), Miranda Levesque, Rachel Donovan, Brittini Mosher, Latisha Neece and Sarah Michaud react to the first-place announcement.
Contributed photo/Northwood Studio
Shelby Hallet
