Mullen Cheer Team Proves Most Popular
Fresh off a 2nd-place finish the previous Saturday at the Ralston Valley High School hosted competition, Battle in the Valley, Mullen’s Cheerleading team took the floor on Wednesday night, November 8th at Eaglecrest High School for the Centennial League Cheerleading Championships. As always, the energy surrounding the competition was electric and the atmosphere in the gym was defining. The team was the last squad scheduled to compete, the wait seemed to take forever, but at 7:35 their names were called, and it was time for them to do their thing.
The team looked sensational from the get-go. Their confidence was on display as they directed the cheer portion of the performance. The team was in sync with their flips, and they were loud and easily heard in the rafters of the gym. The command they had on their performance was evident.
The real challenge came once they transitioned to the dance portion of their routine, and, wow, did they look good. As the music started, so did they in explosive fashion much like a starburst - flipping in unison and then gathering to execute perfect toe-touches. It was clear they were determined to nail their routine. One of the most memorable and touching moments came as the team was executing two separate bases supporting a flyer on either side of the mat. While the bases supported the flyers, there were three girls between each base doing back handsprings. Once they completed their flips, they moved over to support the dismount of the flyer from the base. When sophomore Malayah Boganey completed her flips, she positioned herself to assist one of the dismounts. The flyer flipped from her position atop the base into the arms of Malayah and another catcher. The landing was a little too much for the catchers, and Malayah was knocked to the floor. It could have been disastrous, but what it actually did was draw the entire crowd into the routine, and Malayah gave them something to cheer about. After picking herself up off the mat, Malayah moved to the rear of the mat, and she and another girl performed a succession of perfect synchronized front handsprings, and the crowd went berserk. It was a scene never before witnessed in twenty-plus years of attending these championships. What an awesome Mustang moment. The crowd was on their side for the remainder of the performance, and the girls did not disappoint them. When the team and the music came to stop, the cheers from the crowed lifted the roof. Sensational performance!
The hard part of the night came as the teams awaited their scores from the judges. For these teams, where the margin of error is so minute and the competition is so strong, the wait is excruciating. Then it came. 3rd Place! Not too shabby, but these Mustangs know they could have done better. They were in the thick of things despite a few errors. A great night, nonetheless, for one of the hardest working teams donning the Blue and Gold.
Up next for these Mustangs is the CHSAA 4A State Championships. They are slated to perform at Denver Coliseum at 2:06 PM on Friday, December 8th. My guess is the rest of the field better watch out. These girls don’t play.
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