In the competitive cheer world, there is a thin line between winning and second place. Luckily, The Dalles cheerleaders have one last opportunity to show their heart and pride this weekend at the United Spirit Association Spirit Nationals at the Anaheim Convention center in Anaheim, Calif.
Winning back-to-back competitions by an average of 5.5 points did not sit well with members of The Dalles cheer squad. At the Cavalier Cheer Invitational in Clackamas, TD got its groove back in a major way with top honors by a final margin of 183.9-132.5 over second-place Hood River Valley.
The Dalles cheerleaders have competed in two events and come away with back-to-back wins. Even with the top performance, head coach Kelsey Wallace and her athletes feel that they are not close to realizing their potential.
The Dalles cheer coach Kelsey Wallace envisions a large contingent of girls who want to be a part of the cheer family. After attracting more than 30 prospects from kindergarten-through-eighth grades at the annual youth cheer clinic on Dec. 14, the building aspect has just begun.
Through Friday morning, The Dalles cheerleaders have received 32 donations for a total of $1,680, which is far from the the $5,000 needed to experience a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to make a trip to California for Cheer Nationals in January. Hampered by school budgets and other monetary issues, the team is seeking funds to help offset the costs for hotels, airfare, meals, and entry fees, so coach Kelsey Wallace is looking to families, friends, and the community for help.
In their first foray into the competitive cheer world, The Dalles’ Emily Adams and Nathan Nañez showed they belong. That duo, plus veteran seniors Kendyl Kumm and Jessika Nañez put on a dazzling display last Saturday at the Oregon Cheerleading Coaches Association All-State competition at Thurston High School in Springfield.
