Windham cheerleading performs well in Class A regional championships

By Matt Pascarella

Windham High School’s varsity cheerleading team showed determination during the Maine Principals' Association Class A North Regional Cheerleading Championships at Sanford High School on Jan. 31 and while WHS was not one of the top eight teams to move on, they did a fantastic job and gave a stellar performance during their routine.

Windham's varsity cheerleading team performs mid-routine
as they compete in the Maine Principals' Association Class
A North Cheerleading Championships at Sanford High
School on Saturday, Jan. 31.
PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA   

Teams from all over the state competed in the Regional Championships, with the top eight teams in scoring by the judges moving on to compete in the state championships.

“I think we tried as hard as we could today,” said freshman flyer Alice Chaisson of Windham. “We had some difficulties ... and ended up having to change a lot of the routine very quickly leading up to this competition. Our first stunts went pretty well; pyramid went good but had a couple mishaps.”

Windham varsity cheerleading coach Amber Bushey said they had to make changes to their flyers’ roster (the athletes lifted in the air) partway through the season; they knew this would be more of a building year. Bushey said their goal was to focus on training new flyers, progressing through proper stunt sequences and adapting the stunts and routines to fit their new groups while continuing to grow together as a team.

“Throughout the season, we placed a strong emphasis on building strength and endurance so our athletes could safely perform the routine at full intensity,” said Bushey. “Despite challenges and roster changes, the team stayed committed, adapted when necessary, and continued to work hard each day, which helped them overcome adversity together. Our cheer section was very clean, and we performed our opening section strongly. Our running tumbling (back handspring) section was well synchronized. We also had very creative choreography and finished with a fun, high-energy dance to close out the routine.”

The team had a choreographer come in at the start of the season and worked with them to create their routine. Windham continued to adapt and adjust the routine to best fit the skills of the athletes.

The Eagles were first to perform and drew cheers and applause from the crowd.

Bushey said two of Windham’s stunts came down during the routine, resulting in a deduction. Stumbling progressions and overall technique will continue to be a priority as they work to rebuild and strengthen stunt groups for next year. Tumbling is also an area they consistently work to improve.

“We definitely have strong teamwork and get along with each other well,” said Windham senior flyer Madelyn Kovats. “In my opinion we have very good facials and tightness. (Not messy with motions, facials are always smiling and singing along with the music). The goal was to do good and put everything into our routine and trying to place, but it’s ok we didn’t – we did our best. The second stunt hit for me and our lift was pretty good and same with our other flyer, Mila (Thomas). Our last partner stunt was a little rough. It’s a lot of fun competing in Regionals seeing all the other cheerleaders and saying hi to people I’ve seen before. Even if you don’t place, it feels so good to be here.”

Windham’s varsity cheerleaders include seniors Gwendolyn Howard, Madelyn Kovats, Izzy Neal, and Sophie Villanueva; junior Annabelle Harris; sophomores Hali Candelmo, Alice Chaisson, Brooklyn McAlevey, Mila Thomas and Brooke Tuttle; and freshman Cayleigh Stilwell. <