Comets Competition cheerleading

October 29, 2008

By Dale Trent of Halifax Co High School

Comets' Competition Cheerleader Squad Advances To Regionals

By Doug Ford
Giving your best effort in sports can be its own reward, but giving your best and still coming up short can leave you with mixed emotions.
That was the scene Saturday at a loud and supportive Comets Gym, when the Comets competition cheer squad, despite its best effort, came up short against Franklin County for the Western Valley District championship.
Halifax and Franklin County, with regional berths already locked in, competed for district bragging rights in front of a loud and supportive crowd.
Each squad performed alternating routines in front of a panel of judges, who had a list of criteria to rate the competitors, including tumbling skills, along with synchronization of music and routines.
When all was said and done, Franklin County had won the district championship, with both squads advancing to the Northwest Regional Championships, scheduled for Saturday at Franklin County High School, beginning at 6 p.m.
The Comets gave it all they had, according to squad members Brittany Long, Kelly Hudson, Blair Jeffress and Tiffany Green.
"We did out best today and we were so pumped when we came out here," said Long.
"I think we could have kept our energy level a little higher the entire time we were out there.
"We started out with a high energy level, but I think it went down a little as the competition wore on."
Hudson echoed Long's comments, adding that the squad had nothing to hang their heads about.
"I think we did the best we could and we had fun, that's the key," explained Hudson.
"Our routine was solid and we didn't leave anything out there."
Jeffress noted that the squad has come a long way since her freshman year, and Green added that the Comets will be ready for regional competition and another shot at Franklin County.
Comets coaches Lauren Owen and Jennifer Crenshaw and Eagles' coach Marsha Lopez acknowledged that their individual squads have some work to do before the regionals.
"They've done a wonderful job and have improved since last year, especially in tumbling," said Crenshaw.
"They could have cleaned up a couple of things, and been cleaner on their transitions."
"The girls did a great job today and did their routine to the best of their ability," noted Owen.
"They have improved so much since last year with stunts and tumbling, and the coaches could not have asked for anything better."
Lopez said that she thought the difference between the two teams came down to tumbling.
"In my mind, it was the level of tumbling," she explained.
"We had more tumblers and we were probably a little cleaner with our routine, but Halifax County has come a long way," continued Lopez, in her 10th year as competition coach.
"I've seen other Halifax competition squads, but they are very much improved.
"You can tell the squad members and coaches have worked very hard to improve their program, and that's what we've been doing here as well."
Lopez saw some flaws in her team's routine as well, and plans to concentrate on tumbling, spacing and synchronization before the regionals.
The fact that there were only two teams competing for the district title made no difference in her squad's approach.
"There was no difference at all, anytime we compete we go all out," she said.