KAYSVILLE — On Feb. 11, the Davis High cheerleaders competed in a national cheerleading competition and took third place.
The talented squad worked hard throughout the year taking a difficult routine to the competition in hopes of becoming only the second team from Davis to advance. This event held in Orlando, Fla., is considered one of the best in the country, taking top squads from all around the United States.
In all, 60 teams competed. Davis broke through to the final 17, and then eventually placed third thanks to a difficult routine that they stuck throughout the competition. But the squad didn't fly through the competition without difficulties.
During preliminary competition, their music stopped. Technical difficulties made it so the Davis coach had to count the remaining routine out loud to the girls. Judges ruled the mishap out of Davis' control, and they were able to perform the last half of the routine again to their music. On their second attempt, the Darts did so well it catapulted them directly into the finals.
Before the finals, Davis had to maneuver through two more obstacles. On Saturday before the event, one of Davis' flyers became ill and was taken to a local hospital. Just 30 minutes before performing she was rushed back to the competition, and Davis hit the routine.
Then, two minutes before their final show, Davis was told they had to change a stunt that didn't meet UCA rules. Davis came up with a new stunt to fill the void and rallied to give it their best. They completed the routine, including the new stunt, to near perfection.
Taking third at this competition is the best a team from northern Utah has done.
Davis' finals routine can be viewed at www.varsitywired.com.
Award-winning team
Davis High squad
Cheerleaders: Madi Bates, Katie Burkholz, Kelcie Carter, Bree Carver, JaNae Field, Nicole Fowler, Michelle Hughes, Lynsie Leinbach, Brooke Logan, Linzee Olsen, Sarah Poole, Brandi Rood, Cami Jo Satterthwaite, Shelby Sutherland, Chelsea Tribe, Jillian Wendler, Kiley Bailey, Whitney Bates, Alicyn Brown, Kiley Brown, Danielle Edwards, Jayci Giles, Jordan Hill, Alexis Jensen, Casey Payne, Ciera Pekarcik.
Adviser: Lisa Olsen. Coaches: Brooke McArthur and Ashley Phelps.
E-mail: bhedin@desnews.com