In their second year, the Saints Cheerleading team are off to a strong start. In January, the team competed in Winnipeg at the Double or Nothing Cheerleading Competition hosted by the Scorpions Elite Cheerleading Team. The team placed second overall in the Senior Level 2 High School category. At this competition, there were 26 cheerleading teams competing and, the Saints Cheerleading Team came in with the fifth overall highest score! On February 16 - 18th the team travelled to Minneapolis to compete in the Wow Factor Sport Cheer and Dance Competition where the girls placed first overall in the Rec Category, bringing home a gold medal.
Head Coach and Manager, Teresa Stevenson talks about the successes of the team. "Our Cheerleading team has been outstanding this year. There is a vast age difference amongst the team members and yet they support each other and watch out for each other. Because of this unique team bonding, it has allowed our team to advance much quicker than we would normally expect."
There are 16 females on the team ranging from Grade 7 through to Grade 12. The sport requires various abilities, height, and strength to accomplish the best possible team. "No one is excluded in cheerleading. Every person has a place on the mat and every person can shine during different sections of the routine," says Stevenson. "It is also a sport that allows any gender to participate in it. We haven't had a male on the team yet, but we would welcome anyone to try out and be part of the team in the future. That is what I love about the sport. It's all-inclusive."
The team practices twice per week regularly but adds additional practices and stretching routines before each competition.
Stevenson talks about what she has planned next for the team. "Our focus from now until the next competition is to clean up our baskets and cradles, as well as tumbling passes and jumps. The athletes also need to keep up with their conditioning and healthy eating to ensure that they stay in shape and can keep up with the fast pace of their routine."
The team is supported by two assistant coaches, Dallis Novelli and Melissa Carreiro, as well as many volunteers and supporters. The Saints Cheerleading team received financial support from several community members, as well as the Lake of the Woods Regional Community Foundation and the Kenora Catholic District School Board.