Wrangell High School’s cheer squad represented the region with Petersburg last week during the Cheerleading State Championship on March 23.
The squad took second place during Region V earlier this month, qualifying for the state-level competition in Anchorage.
“It went really well,” said Megan Clark, one of the squad’s two coaches. Along with Anna Hagelman, Clark signed up for the program shortly before the season began last fall.
“It’s been interesting,” she said. “We had a lot of trial and error on how to handle things.”
A gymnast and cheerleader throughout her time in school, Hagelman had never before considered coaching. After watching the squad perform last year she took an interest in the program, and was pleased to take up the position.
“It’s something I’m super passionate about,” Hagelman said. Though the hours put in each week add up, she said the time has been well-spent. “It’s been one of the best things I’ve done since I’ve moved to Wrangell.”
In putting together a routine for the competition, Clark said Hagelman had helped
direct most of the choreography. Members of the squad helped put together accompanying music, which Clark explained needs to have a consistent tempo.
Heading to Anchorage last week, Wrangell’s team was entered into the co-ed competition.
“They were one of the
smallest teams there,” said Clark.
Seven students made it through to the end of the season: seniors Kari Massin, Cassie Schilling and Curtis Wimberley, juniors Alex Angerman, Karl Torgramsen and Scythia McQueen, and sophomore Charley Seddon.
Hagelman said it was encouraging for her team to compete with the larger schools, being able to compare skill sets and pick up new ideas for routines next year.
“I think it kind of made them realize that they want to be better,” she said.
“Going to State made other squads seem less intimidating to us,” Clark pointed out.
Getting to State also
demonstrated the squad could attain the goals it set for itself, and that with a bit of work could make itself into a better team. Between other squads’ sets and the comments received from judges at both the
regional and state-level competitions, Clark felt optimistic about the team’s chances for next year.
Hagelman and Clark both intend to return for next season, when they hope to get a program started for Stikine Middle School as well. Hagelman explained getting a program started earlier would help build skills while giving students another extracurricular activity to participate in. Going into the off-season, the team will pursue some fundraising activities and may look into participating in a training camp this summer.
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