CARIBOU, Maine — Aroostook County cheering squads go for bragging rights Friday at the Aroostook League Cheering Competition, set for Caribou High School beginning at 6 p.m.
The event had originally been planned for earlier this month, but was rescheduled because of a snowstorm.
The host Vikings will be the first team to perform, followed by Houlton, Fort Fairfield, Presque Isle and Central Aroostook.
“We are excited to get back on the mat and perform our routine,” said Central Aroostook coach Sami Allen, whose team is the defending Class D state champions. “The kids really enjoy performing and fans have really enjoyed our dance portion of Michael Jackson.”
The Panthers had received a special invite to compete in the Big East Championships, which were held at Caribou High School Jan. 12. They placed fifth overall and Allen was pleased with the outcome, considering one of the team’s flyers had just returned from an injury.
In addition to a team champion being crowned in the Aroostook League Friday, all-star awards and a spirit award will be presented. The league’s middle school champions from Presque Isle Middle School will perform an exhibition during the evening.
Admission is $5 for adults and $3 for students. A large crowd is anticipated for what is traditionally one of the most popular high school sporting events of the winter.
Then there will be a quick turnaround for the Caribou, Presque Isle and Houlton squads, who will compete at Mattanawcook High School in Lincoln Saturday for the Penobscot Valley Conference championships. That competition begins at 5 p.m.
The regional championships are on Jan. 27 at the Cross Insurance Center in Bangor and two weeks later (Feb. 10), the state championships will be held, also at the Cross Insurance Center in Bangor.
