Crescenta Valley High School cheerleaders take home first

and second place during regional competition.

By Mary O’KEEFE

The Crescenta Valley High School Cheerleading squad had a very successful weekend at the Regional Cheer Competition in Arcadia.

“This is where you qualify for state competition,” said Vickie Boulton, cheer coach. “Our cheer division freshman and [junior varsity] took first place. Our varsity took second.”

Boulton added that the race for first was close and she was still proud of how the squad scored.

“One of our varsity members got sick a half an hour before the competition and one of our JV members had to step up and learn the [routine],” she added.

“We had Emily Boone from JV fill in. We taught her the routine and at first were a little iffy about the stunts but they all went well. We all really love Emily right now,” said Jacob Magña, cheerleader.

Not only did the individual squads do well but also all CVHS cheerleading teams, which include song, cheer and flag, had the highest overall combined score.

“We were the grand champions,” Boulton added.

In the afternoon the soloist took center stage with the song competition. Song is a mix of dance and cheer, with more emphasis on dance.

“Geena Wheeler received the highest score of the day of anybody in any division,” Boulton said.

Wheeler did her solo performance to “You’re Going to Love Me” from “Dreamgirls.”

“It felt pretty awesome,” Wheeler said of her high scores.

This CVHS junior has had a lot of experience dancing in front of audiences. She began taking dance lessons in first grade. When she was in sixth grade she competed in “Star Search” and then in eighth grade she, along with two friends, performed on “Good Morning America.” So dancing in front of Saturday’s crowd at Arcadia did not make her too nervous.

“I have been dancing for a long time,” she said.

This success does not come without sacrifice and dedication.

“We practice every day during first period and on Tuesdays from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.,” Magña said.

When they get close to competition the practices intensify and increase.

“It takes a lot of dedication but its worth it,” Magña said. “It is something we all knew would take dedication but our team shows school spirit and it helps our school.”

After regional, the teams now move onto state competition that will be held at Knott’s Berry Farm on March 27.

“Then we go on to nationals in Las Vegas on April 16 to 18,” Boulton said.

The team does not have any fund raisers planned before its trip but Boulton said the costs are rising.

“Cheer is expensive. The kids have to buy their own uniforms at about $500,” Boulton said.

The team does not have a corporate sponsor and depends on donations through fund raising events throughout the year. Boulton said she has heard of some corporations that sponsor cheer and dance teams in Glendale but not at CVHS.

“We would love to have that support. I think what we do up here is really great.”

  cheerleading, cvhs falcons, song, winners