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For the first time in AVHS history, Amador Valley competition cheerleaders came home with three 1st Place trophies and banners from USA Nationals in Group Stunt, Novice and Intermediate Cheer categories.

The tournament started on a very stormy Thursday afternoon when the Amador Valley competition cheerleading group boarded a charter bus with their advisor Katy Huntze (Amador Alum) and Coach Danielle Butler (Class of 2009) to meet their competitors in Anaheim for the USA Nationals Competition, where approximately 9,000 competitors and 1,100 performances were displayed.

The team headed down to Anaheim to do their best with the unity a cheerleading team needs to win. These girls are spirit leaders and competition cheerleaders. Especially during basketball seasons, they may have some cheer-related activity every day of the week between practices and games including an occasional regional competition while surpassing the academic standards required to participate.

On Friday afternoon the Varsity Intermediate Group Stunt team comprised of Nicolette Allen, Baqiyyah Bent, Mady Benz, Paige Carlstrom and Katie Rodriquez placed first in their category. They competed against 27 other teams in Prelims and headed into Finals in First Place. As part of placing first, they were invited to perform right before the awards ceremony Sunday afternoon.

The JV Novice team competed on Friday afternoon following the Group Stunt's victory, showing the benefit of their training to a large crowd in the Anaheim Convention Center. They also headed into finals in first place competing against 13 other teams. They competed on Sunday afternoon in finals leading the way to victory for the second of Amador's competition cheer teams.

Shortly after JV performed a stellar finals routine, the Varsity Intermediate cheer team took the floor, showing how great it is to be a Don to the crowd in the Anaheim Center. On the day before, Varsity had left no doubt about their placement, going into Sunday's finals in first place as well. They competed against 19 other teams.

When awards were announced, the 30+ Amador fans in our section erupted for the second time on Sunday at the excited reality that Amador Cheer has made history and surpassed their goal. The accomplishment of this year's team cannot be understated. For the first time in Amador Don history, Amador Valley cheerleading has swept Nationals and finished their season as close to perfect as any team has. It was something amazing to be a part of and will not soon be forgotten.

Amador Valley Competition Cheerleading is comprised of Nicolette Allen, Taylor Antrim, Cassidy Bell, Baqiyyah Bent, Mady Benz, Kara Carlstrom, Paige Carlstrom, Julia Cilk, Lauren Copenhaver, Jessica D'Addabbo, Eileen Drury, Jerelyn Gentry, Katy Gibbons, Malia Gondkoff, Caitlin Herb, Elizabeth Lachnit, Rachel Latsis, Emily Martin, Marina Mihov, Hali Morgenroth, Rachel Pann, Allison Pluschkell Kelsie Roach, Katie Rodriguez, Megan Sensiba, Rachel Sleek, Hannah Stoik, Emily St. Pierre and Laney Turay.

--Submitted by Nadine Bent-Russell.

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