On Saturday, Jan. 17, Gabrielino’s varsity competition cheer squad traveled to Agoura Hills for its first competition of the season, the United Spirit Association (USA) Regionals, held at Agoura High School. With a new group of athletes, the team competed in the Show Cheer Novice Non-tumbling category. Out of five participating teams, the squad finished in fourth place and qualified for USA Nationals.
Although there were returning members on the team, the majority of the athletes were newcomers who had never competed at this level. The cheer team only reinstated its competition squad last year. Despite this, the returners supported their teammates and helped calm nerves before taking the mat.
“Last year, we didn’t really have that,” junior captain Alyssa West said. “We went into it, and it was everyone’s first time competing.”
“We didn’t have someone to tell us how it was,” junior Sofia Romero said.
The Eagles performed a two-and-a-half-minute routine, with the first minute dedicated to a band chant and the remaining time focused on stunting and dance sequences. The team executed the opening portion with ease; however, difficulties arose during the stunting segment when one stunt group struggled to complete a lift.
“It was super stressful because we had to get the half-up in time for the main pyramid,” freshman Cyrina Chang said.
“You just have to keep smiling and pretend nothing happened,” Romero said.
Despite the setback, Coach Tina Rodriguez praised the teams resilience and growth throughout the performance. “Scoring a high score and qualifying for Nationals in our first competition was a great moment,” Rodriguez said. “They showed strong energy and determination on the floor,” adding that the team’s hard work has paid off as the season progresses.
“I honestly think the team did well for their first competition,” junior captain Mila Katz said. “Obviously, there are some things we could work on, but I think we did a good job.”
After qualifying for USA Nationals, the cheer squad will continue its season at its next competition at the Anaheim Convention Center on Feb. 19.
