Varsity cheering heads to state competition - By Michelle Libby

On Saturday, February 6^th, the Windham High School varsity cheering squad will compete in the first state competition since 2004. 
 

“This is the most inspiring, small team that’s heading into the state competition. Five of the girls have never competed at a varsity cheering competition,” said coach Jamie Gaudreau. 

The 13 girls and one alternate going to states is the smallest team that Windham has had.

Last weekend the team finished fourth earning them a spot at the state meet. 

“Their love and passion for the sport shines through in Windham and in competition. Fourth place was, even though we compete against ourselves, already like winning a championship,” Gaudreau said. 

Two of the girls on the team were able to master their standing back handspring for the last competition, which boosted their tumbling difficulty score, helping them to pass other squads. 

 

Judging at the competitions is based on motions, dance, stunts, jump and voice to name a few.

This year the team has new uniforms, which makes a huge difference in the tumbling and flexing, according to Gaudreau. The one piece outfit is comfortable and not as still, she added. 

Gaudreau has been coaching the Windham team for four years, so the five seniors she has on the team she has worked with for four years. This year, the assistant coach is Karleigh Gaudreau, the coach’s daughter and the team chorographer. “It’s a lot of pressure to create material for the girls to compete with,” said coach Gaudreau. “They love to perform and their expressions and energy show throughout the entire performance,” she added. 

Coaches from other schools and some who didn’t make it to states complemented the team on how improved the Windham team was and how happy they were for Windham. 

The high school athletic boosters is paying for the team to spend the night in Bangor before the competition so the girls will be ready on Saturday morning.  

“It’s the journey of a lifetime for these girls and they will make the journey memories last a lifetime,” Gaudreau said. “Going there is a gift.”

Group picture

Front Row:

Rachel Cushman, Julia Hamilton, Page Johnson

Middle Row:

Bailey Turner, Jewel Cummings, Deija Ramos, Coach Jamie Gaudreau, Analyse Harris ,Cassidy Mullins

Back Row:

Assistant Coach Cheryl Crouse, Madi Roberts, Shelby Sampson, Coach Karleigh Gaudreau, Hailie Boulanger, Alyssa Albano, Cassady Mather, Chantai Chevannes

Photos by Jodi Turner