The Deer Isle-Stonington cheerleaders perform at the 2018 regional championships at the Cross Insurance Center in Bangor. By Anne Berleant
Deer Isle—The Deer Isle-Stonington cheerleaders are hoping to create some magic as the tournament season gets under way. Winners of the 2013 Class D state title, the Mariners have qualified for the statewide competition every year since. And while second-year coach Amber Jones said this year’s team is young, they have surprised her with how quickly they learn.
“They learn fast and hit solid, which is why they are able to go in with strong stunts and skills this year,” Jones said.
The Mariners will compete Saturday, January 19, at the Penobscot Valley Conference championships, which group Class C and D teams in one division, before heading to Bangor for the Class D North Regional Championships Saturday, January 26.
“PVCs for us will be a chance to get in front of a crowd. We won’t have all that we will have for the regionals,” Jones said. “We will use the week in between to add back in certain skills.”
Stunts are a mainstay of cheering competitions, and Jones said the squad’s biggest strength is its base groups. “They are super strong. Our flyers need more reps to advance our stunts, so that’s probably what we need to work on most, so we can score well in stunting.”
She credits her team, many members who are new to cheering, with big gains in working together “to hit any stunt we throw at them.”
She added: “Our number one goal always is to look strong and solid, not wobbly and scary. And I am very confident in that.”
Mariners in action
Sat., Jan. 19: Penobscot Valley Conference Championships, Mattanawcook Academy, Lincoln, 10 a.m.
Tue., Jan. 22: Island Cheer Friends & Family Night, all ages to perform, DISES, 5 p.m.
Sat., Jan. 26: Class D North Championships, Cross Insurance Center, Bangor, time TBA.
Sat., Feb. 9: Class D State Championships, Augusta Civic Center, time TBA.