Bangor was the place to be Saturday for fans of cheerleading as Aroostook County squads competed in the regional cheering competitions at the new Cross Insurance Center.
Throngs of local fans braved the elements to take in the Class C event and the Houlton varsity cheering squad did not disappoint. The Shires finished third out of 13 squads, earning the right to advance to the state competition Saturday, Feb. 8 at the Augusta Civic Center.
It was a strong showing for a young squad that had no preconceptions about how the team would finish. After all, with just a few seniors on the team, and two new coaches with Michelle Sullivan and Renae Foley, this season was supposed to be a rebuilding year for Houlton High School.
Instead, the Shires proved they are still one of the best squads in Eastern Class C, putting on an energetic and highly entertaining routine that delighted those who made the trip to Bangor. The Shires now have two weeks to tweak their routine in the hopes of adding some higher scoring elements to their performance.
Speaking of delights, the new Cross Insurance Center is precisely that. Gone are the days of leaky roofs, smelly bathrooms, endless flights of stairs, uncomfortable seats and bleachers, and sub par snacks at the concession stands at the Bangor Auditorium.
For years, covering basketball games and cheering competitions at the Bangor Auditorium meant a steady diet of popcorn or red hot dogs that had been sitting in the steamer for who knows how long. And when one has to be at these events for eight hours or more, relying on the concessions to provide sustenance was akin to taking a dip in the ocean in January. You just didn’t do it.
In its place sits a new marvel of modern construction. Luxury is the name of the game at the Cross Center, as it should be for a facility that cost $65 million to build.
The seats, complete with cup holders, are extremely comfortable, with nary a bad view in the place. For those unable to climb the stairs, both an escalator and elevator are available.
And then there is the food. I had heard from a few sources that with all these new amenities came a higher price tag. Sticker shock is more like it. About the cheapest thing on the menu is a bottle of water or a cup of coffee, at a price of $2.50. Bottles of soda are $3 and a tub of popcorn now costs a whopping $6 (although refills are a mere $2).
Granted there are for more choices for food items, which is refreshing, but the price may be a bit much for those bringing their entire family for a day of basketball games. Sneaking in your own snacks may be the way to go.
Thanks to a snowstorm, the ride on Interstate 95 proved slow going for the many folks who chose to travel home that night. What is normally a trip that takes me an hour and 45 minutes turned into a two hour, 45 minute journey through whiteout conditions that resembled the Millennium Falcon making the jump to light speed in the “Star Wars” movies. Of course nobody else in the vehicle was awake to witness any of it or marvel at my superior driving skills.
In just a few short weeks, local basketball teams will compete in the tournament and expectations are high for a lengthy postseason run for several squads. Be sure to go down to Bangor and cheer for your local team. Just be sure to bring your checkbook.
Joseph Cyr is a staff writer for the Houlton Pioneer Times. He can be reached at pioneertimes @nepublish.com or 532-2281.
