By Joseph Cyr
Staff Writer
BANGOR — The Houlton cheering squad had one goal going into Saturday’s Eastern Class C cheering competition — to finish in the top six squads to earn a shot at a state title.
The Shires did precisely that and then some, finishing fourth out of 12 squads. Not bad for a team that lost one of its senior leaders to illness just weeks before the regional competition.
Dexter captured the Eastern Class C crown with an impressive routine. The Tigers, with 125 points, easily outdistanced second-place Sumner (118.8 points). Other team scores were: 3, Orono, 115.5; 4, Houlton, 113; 5, Bucksport, 112.3; 6, Central, 111.1; 7, Calais, 110.6; 8, Narraguagas, 99.4; 9, Mattanawcook, 97.7;10, Lee Academy, 85.9; 11, Penquis, 79.3; and 12, George Stevens, 76.2.
“We were extremely proud of the girls,” said coach Julie Dunn. “It was the best they have ever performed this routine. We have a very strong group of girls with 10 seniors. The girls have met some significant challenges this year with a high level of maturity.”
She noted the Shires lost a key member of the squad, senior Lauren Bragan, due to illness the week before the regional competition.
“At one point before we knew she was out for sure, we were practicing two scenarios, one with Lauren and one without which meant rearranging many times,” Dunn explained. “The girls took on the challenge and certainly met our expectations. After reviewing the judges score sheets we will be making some changes and cleaning up the routine.”
Members of the Houlton squad, which is coached by Dunn and Shari Good with assistant Leah Bates include Sarah Bouchard, Bragan, Elizabeth Flint, Taylor Forest, Ashley Grass, Erynne Howland, Crystal Nason, Marguerite Russell, Mikaela Tuttle, Emily Dee, Jessica Thorne, Jackie Condon, Haley Flewelling, Jennah Rand, Caleigh Sullivan, Morgan Wotton, Taylor Barnes, Abigail Fore, Kathryn Knights, Emma Drew, Emily Dickinson and Autumn Fox.
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| Houlton Pioneer Times Photo/ Joseph Cyr PYRAMID — Performing a complex stunt are members of the Houlton cheering squad during Saturday’s competition in Bangor. |
Houlton Pioneer Times Photo/Joseph Cyr CATCH ME! — Houlton’s Emily Dee relies on her teammates to catch her during a stunt. |
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| Houlton Pioneer Times Photo/Joseph Cyr ALL SMILES — Erynne Howland strikes a pose. |
Houlton Pioneer Times Photo/Joseph Cyr GYMNAST — Tumbling plays an important role in the Shiretowners cheering routine. |
