Cheerleading: Tiger squads win awards

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The Farmington varsity and junior varsity cheerleading squads participated in the UCA Camp July 27-30 at Kalahari Resort in Wisconsin Dells. The Camp Theme was Heroes and the Farmington squad’s theme was FHS Army.

The four day camp consisted of 10-plus hours a day of intense cheers, dances and stunts, reviewing and perfecting each skill. Farmington excelled in both individual and team competitions.

Individual awards went to: Julie Tang, first place, sophomore jump-off competition; senior Keri Pietsch, All-American Team; and Hannah Kroells, All-American Team.

Keri and Hannah both performed the UCA Extreme Dance Routine, UCA Cheer and their best jump for the judges. They competed against 70 other cheerleaders also hoping to earn a spot on the UCA All-American Team. As a JV/varsity team, FHS won first place in the Home Dance Competition in the Stunt and Performance Division. The Home Dance was choreographed and taught by senior captain Ayla Benike during captains’ practices this summer. The JV team earned the Most Improved team trophy. The varsity team received the 2009 Superior Team Award from the UCA staff — and an invite/bid to perform at the Orange Bowl Game in Florida over New Year’s.

To top the four-day camp off, FHS cheerleaders received the highest honor, the 2009 Team Leadership Award. This award is voted by each squad, and given to the team they feel shows the best leadership and the team they would like to be on.

2009 FHS varsity members are led by senior captains Caitlyn Collier, Ayla Benike, Dylan Victor and Haley Luhman and JV members by captains Cassandra Yetzer and Ashlie Tisland.

Tags: sports, cheerleading