By: Javon Harris, Sports Editor

Upon winning their competition’s at the EMAC league competitions, the Lady Raider varsity Poms and Cheer teams eyed the big dance; State Competition.

Going into that Friday, December 5, the ladies held high expectations and believed that they could perform to the best of their abilities whether or not if they win.

The Varsity Cheer team would be the most skeptical out of the both teams because of their new addition to the team, male Sophomore Vincent Stockdale. Vincent “Vinny” Stockdale would make the ladies “co-ed” teams in which they compete against other co-ed teams in the state of Colorado oppose to competing against all female teams in recent years.

The Varsity Poms team, coached by Tammy Strouse performed at 11 a.m. on December 5^th, in which they did great and ended up placing 12^th out of 22 teams. “Competitions can be stressful” said Senior Poms dancer Rebecca Lafromboise “but we always come together in the end, it was a long journey and we gave our all at State.”

The Varsity Cheerleading team performed at 6 o’clock December 5^th in which they placed 6^th in the Prelims and made it to finals. The ladies ended up placing 8^th in finals but still were satisfied with the results and how they competed in co-ed for the 1^st time ever. Senior Captain Riley Levitt said, “Being in finals at state was such an accomplishment and such a good way to end the season.” With an accomplishment like this, it will be one to remember for the Cheerleading team. Senior Captain Lyndsey Coonce said, “I could not be more proud of our team! We were undefeated at every competition and brought home 2 Grand Champion awards, finals at state was another goal of ours and I’m glad we reached that too!”

With all the hard work out of the way, both the Varsity Poms and Cheer teams can reminisce on such successful seasons and only hope for the best next year.