Niwot Cheer squad takes first at CSU cheer competition

Coach Christina Ayers took her Niwot High School cheer squad to Colorado State University July 6-9 for a cheer camp, and they came home with first-place and second-place awards.

"We attended the UCA Varsity Summer Camp at CSU this summer," Ayers said. "During the camp, the team won the Spirit Bananas on the first night, and during the showcase, came in first in the Camp Dance and second in the Game Day Routine."

"Our objective this camp was to unite our team and continue forward with our stunting and dancing goals," Ayers noted. "Our team is comprised of a mix of students, and this year more than half are incoming freshmen who are new to the sport."

Squad members also earned individual awards at the CSU camp. "All-American is a prestigious award granted to those that show excellence in the material and go through a tryout process," Ayers explained. "Those that are given the award at Camp are then invited to attend one of many events, along with other award winners. A few of the trips include the Pearl Harbor Memorial Parade, the Thanksgiving Tour at Walt Disney World, or the London New Year's Parade. We had two athletes earn this award this year, Fernanda Laguna-Perez and Isaac Lopez Romero."

"We have 18 athletes this season who are ready to get on the sidelines and the mat," Ayers said. The squad helped with a Rock & Rails concert Aug. 3, and received tip jar proceeds from the event, which help students cover individual expenses for outfits, new signs and new mats.

But competitions are not the primary focus for the cheer squad. "We are first and foremost cheerleaders for our school and the community," Ayers said. "We can be seen on the sidelines spiriting on our Cougars and rallying our fans. We can also be seen in our community at parades and functions. And four days a week, we are working on our competition routine that we perform at various venues around the metro area. This fall we will be competing in five competitions: Boo Bash, Rocky Mountain Regional, Leagues, Winter Blast, and State. We will also be traveling in February to attend our second USA Nationals Competition in California.

"Our goal is to create unity with all of our athletes. We work hard to help each other and cheer each other on during the frustrating times. As a team sport, we understand that we only get better when everyone is working together to make it happen. We are so very excited to be going into this season with so much talent and drive. We are excited to get in front of our school and support in the best way."

Laguna-Perez, who won an All-American Award, is a senior, and one of two co-captains for the squad. "I have cheered for Niwot for three years and this will be my fourth and final year," she said. "My favorite part of cheer is the community, how everyone is uplifting one another and the team is something I will treasure forever." She said the squad hoped to pick up more members during fall tryouts.

The cheer squad also went to a kids cheerleading camp and "helped out teaching kids how to cheer," Laguna-Perez said. "And we're working on nationals in February. We got 12th in the nation last year when we went for the first time."

Sophomore Clara Rhea is in her second year, and also serves as co-captain. "One of the best aspects of cheerleading is the strong bond that develops among my teammates and me. Together, we celebrate victories, support one another during difficult times, and constantly push each other to reach new heights. The shared experiences, laughter, and tears we have shared are something that will always be so special to me.

"Cheerleading has taught me invaluable lessons in leadership. While on this team, I am not only responsible for perfecting my routines but also for motivating and inspiring my teammates. I have learned to step up and take charge, to guide and encourage others, and how important a positive mindset is. Through this responsibility, I have gained a deeper understanding of the importance of effective communication, trust, and teamwork.

"Competing at nationals last year was my favorite. We had worked so hard with early mornings, late nights, and tons of practice. It was so much fun and exciting. Even though we faced tough challenges, we never gave up and stayed super determined. Experiencing all of that with my amazing team made it even better. We had a blast together and created memories that will last a lifetime.

Lopez Romero, also a sophomore who achieved All-American status, said, "I've been doing cheer for one year now at Niwot High School and my favorite part of cheer is stunting and spending time with my teammates."

Sophomore Nadia Danielle Pai, now in her second year of cheer, said, "My favorite part of cheer is competing and meeting people from other schools. I also love how cheer is a sport that brings all of the teammates together and needs teamwork to succeed."