The Mariners scored strong in their overall impression in their routine at the Class D North cheerleading competition January 27 in Bangor. By Anne Berleant
BANGOR—Performing with professionalism and style at the Class D North championships, the Mariner cheerleaders placed fifth with 42.5 points out of a possible 100, qualifying them for the state championships February 10 in Bangor.
“I am so excited that the first year back on the competition circuit we could place for states against such talented teams,” Coach Amber Jones said.
Penobscot Valley won the competition with 67.6 points, with Central Aroostook runner-up with 62.4 points.
The Mariners were one of only two teams who had no drops or falls during their stunts. By Anne Berleant
The Mariners earned high marks for showmanship, overall impression, formations and partner stunt technique. Lower marks came for difficulty of stunts, tumbling and jumps, which Jones said was not a surprise.
“But I was pleasantly surprised to score high in showmanship and overall effect to score fifth,” she said.
The Mariners were also one of only two teams who performed their stunts without any drops or falls.
“I am proud that we could perform our best and be safe in what we ask the kids to do,” Jones said.
‘That’s all we wanted, for them to feel that their hard work paid off.’
Coach Amber Jones
The squad’s routine and stunts had undergone a revision following injuries to members Drew Wendell and Mason Plummer less than two weeks earlier. Wendell may be cleared in time for the states, but Plummer is out for the season, Jones said.
The Mariners were first to perform of eight teams, which Jones said gave the team a boost.
“Nerves were running high. We saw teams with lots of talent in the warm ups [but] we got to out first with no expectation as to how others would do in front of the judges and I think it made us more confident.”
The girls applaud a competing team’s performance. By Anne Berleant
Jones, assistant coach Belle Merritt and their team will use the next two weeks to incorporate ideas from the judges to improve their scoring ranges, Jones said, like adding more floor work in dance, changing their jump sequence and trying for a higher range of difficulty in their stunts and pyramid.
“We will see how these first few days go and plan from there,” Jones said. “The kids are having a blast and that’s all we wanted, for them to feel that their hard work paid off.”
The Mariners mixed dance, tumbling and smiles. By Anne Berleant