Wildcat Cheerleaders bring Home Section X Championship
by Jessyca Cardinell
No true success comes without hard work, dedication and a little struggle. The Gouverneur Wildcat cheerleaders proved just that, as they brought home the Section X Cheerleading Championship in the large division for their second year in a row.
The sectionals competition which was held at the SUNY Canton Roos House, brought out many schools to compete in large, small and Co-Ed divisions.
“I'm incredibly proud of my team”, said Gouverneur's cheer coach Gidget Wainwright on the team's win, “We've had a tough season this year after losing 14 senior girls from our 2016 Section X Champion Team and had many new girls joining this 2017 season.”
This year's cheerleading squad is the smallest Mrs. Wainwright has coached in her eight years of experience at Gouverneur High School.
“We've struggled with our scores right from thefirst competition. With hard work and dedication we were not going down without a fight as we were up against some strong competitors. We took our score sheets and utilized the judges comments and recommendations to improve our scores.”
The team started practicing a grueling three hours a day all week long including all during winter break. During this time they pushed hard and changed to a different routine and kept adding minor changes.
“We knew we needed to raise our difficulty range in our routine somehow, so with a couple more changes the day before sectionals, we made the right choice as it increased our scores just enough to be the two-time Section X Champs!” said Wainwright.
There will be three teams that are moving onto represent Section X at the New York State competition. Gouverneur with their first place large division win, Massena for first place in Co-Ed division and Lisbon for first place and small division.
“As this is my last year coaching, what a way to end my cheer career! Proud to be a Wildcat!” said Mrs. Wainwright.
The Gouverneur Tribune Press staff wishes the Gouverneur Cheerleaders good luck at the State competition and Mrs. Gidget Wainwright the best as she leaves her cheer coach position!