Hawks compete for first time in 20 years
BANGOR, Maine — It is on to the state competition for the Houlton cheering squad following Saturday’s third-place finish in the Class C North regional event in Bangor.
The Shires are one of six squads to advance to the state competition, slated for Feb. 6 in Bangor. They join Orono, Central, Sumner, Dexter and Mattanawcook Academy as the representatives from the north.
Orono won the competition with a score of 75.3, followed by Central, 69.0; Houlton, 64.6; Sumner, 62.6; Dexter, 54.2; and Mattanawcook Academy, 50.0. The Shires had a five-point deduction in their routine which kept the team from finishing as runners-up.
Other team scores were: Washington Academy, 48.9; Bucksport, 46.7; Wiscasset, 46.5; Narraguagus, 46.2; Calais, 45.5; and Penquis, 41.7.
According to Houlton coach Renae Foley, the judges felt Houlton’s routine was “fun, with a cute dance” and had “smooth transitions” which resulted in an overall good performance.
“Using the judge’s score sheets, we will be working on our timing and solidifying our stunts,” Foley said. “Overall, the girls have a creative, fun routine which the judges acknowledged. The routine is evaluated in following areas: partner stunts and pyramids, tumbling, motion technique, dance, jumps, as well as transitions, showmanship and overall performance. Our scores have steadily improved at each competition. They have worked hard to implement the suggestions offered by the judges. We need to continue to tighten it up and make each section solid.”
Members of the Houlton squad include: Taylor Barnes, Abby Fore, Katie Knights, Chloe Davis, Sarah Delano, Medinah Diane, Hannah Foley, Lexi Fore, Hannah Jacobs, Toni MacDonald, Rachel Toupin, Alexis Miller, Cassie Butler, Anessa Wilde, Taylor Cowan, Breanna Croxen, Makenzie Fitzpatrick, Gabby Guiod, Yasmine Hatch, Hannah Pierce, Claire Gilpatrick, Jillian Haggerty and Emma Huot. The coaches are Foley and Julie Dunn.
In the Class D North competition, also held Saturday in Bangor, the Hawks returned to competitive cheering for the first time in about 20 years. Hodgdon finished ninth out of 10 squads.
Central Aroostook won the competition with 67.4 points, followed by Penobscot Valley, 62.6; Machias, 56.3; Bangor Christian, 56.3; Deer Isle-Stonington, 45.7; Fort Fairfield, 44.5; Buckfield, 43.3; Rangeley, 40.4; Hodgdon, 36.7; and Woodland, 27.8.
Hodgdon coach Deanna Boisvert said she was extremely proud of her team’s effort competing in Bangor.
“We were just really happy to make it there,” she said. “We had to revamp our routine two days before the competition. The squad pulled it off, even though we didn’t place. They really did wonderful and the kids enjoyed themselves.”
Members of the Hodgdon squad include: Shelbey Sanders, Macenzie Hipsley, Kate Smith, Branden Pitts, Anna Neher, Carey Suitter and Victoria Morris.
