The Pagosa Springs High School Pirate cheer squad recorded its best finish in more than a decade at last week’s state spirit championships at the Denver Coliseum.
The team took sixth in the Coed 2A/3A division with a semifinals score of 60.65, which included no deductions. Only the top three teams advanced to the finals.
“I am truly ecstatic,” coach Toni Gallegos wrote in an email to The SUN. “When I [saw] a 6th place finish, I could hardly contain the excitement!! Each year we are improving and that’s exciting! We gave it our all and achieved our best performance since 2014.”
The Pirates placed ninth in 3A cheer last year.
The Pirate squad moved into the coed division this year with the addition of Xavior Haynie to the squad.
“Xavior truly stood out with his exceptional high-flying tumbling and partner stunting skills,” she wrote.
She added the Lady Pirates on the squad, “worked tirelessly to acquire the skills and strength necessary to perform some of the most challenging stunts we’ve attempted thus far.
“We were fortunate to have several talented dancers on our team this year, which greatly enhanced the skills of everyone involved.”
In addition to competing, the Pirates were able to watch other schools compete, which Gallegos notes is inspirational and motivational.
“We really enjoyed seeing what the larger schools have achieved through this last year and really are looking up to them for inspiration.” she wrote. “It motivates us to keep working harder on our skills as a team.”
She also notes the season preparing for state was not without its challenges.
“This season was a challenging one,” she wrote. “We had multiple setbacks, but through it all the team pushed through and came out with a clean routine with no deductions. Coach Erica [Hutchens] and I are incredibly proud of our team and are determined to continue striving for the top spot!”
This year’s squad is seniors Eden Connor, Alillyanna Davis, Katelyn Fricke, Haynie, Emerson Hubbard, Reina Manzanares, Kathryn Martin and Marisol Talamante; juniors Makaela Denton, Teyann Quezada and Chelsea Rodriguez; sophomores Aubriana Fay, Makayla James, Elizabeth Lane, Katie Lucero, Sierra Morris and Isabelle Ratcliff; and freshman Ava Milburn.
Gallegos also thanks those who supported the team and youth cheer clinics.
“Without the incredible community backing, it would be impossible for us to achieve these goals,” she wrote.
randi@pagosasun.com
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