On Saturday, November 9, Campo’s Varsity Competitive Cheer team traveled to Del Campo High School for their first regional competition of the 2024-2025 competition season. The team placed second and finished with a score of 87.28, qualifying for United Spirit Association (USA) Nationals, which take place in February.
While the team placed second, it didn’t come without challenges. This year, the team moved up to a new division, going from novice to intermediate. Senior co-captain Elizabeth VonderBrink said, “It’s a little scary because there’s a lot of injuries that come with doing new stunts and learning new skills.” Despite this, VonderBrink notes that they’ve “all been very patient with [stunts] and doing well.”
Although the team has moved up a division, VonderBrink mentions that “We’re a lot less stressed out than previous years and the team is very solid. We haven’t had to make any major changes, which is a lot less stressful.”
Senior Charlotte Goodman said, “[The competition] was really fun. The adrenaline just really takes over…I didn’t feel any nerves, I was just so excited.” Goodman enjoyed “watching the other teams…cheer is such a supportive sport and it’s just so nice to see other teams…supporting each other and cheering each other on.”
Freshman Dylan DeWeese agreed with Goodman, saying “there was a lot of good energy…[it was fun] seeing and supporting other teams and just the feeling of relief after performing.” Despite the happiness surrounding the competition, DeWeese said, “it was really nerve-racking but you just have to keep telling yourself that you’re excited, not nervous.”
“I’m looking forward to getting close with more of the girls,” said Goodman. “I think our team has such a unique group of people and I really love seeing everyone become close and become good friends.” DeWeese expressed similar thoughts, and is excited to “work on relationships with the team…they’re all so sweet. We have such a good community.”
