By Marty Mayfield
KRTN Multi-Media
The State Spirit Competition was held at the Santa Ana Star Center in Rio Rancho this last weekend and as usual it was tough emotional competition.
The state spirit competition is like no other in the state. It is a judged competition, not one that is decided at the buzzer by the score. This is one that takes two different routines and is compared to the other teams. This event is one that you have to experience to really understand the emotions and determination and talent of the ladies.
Raton Cheer and Dance teams have placed in the top five over the last several years. Watch the ladies perform each year and see the determination and the hard work they put into the routines. Yet a small bobble or a dropped flyer can upset the whole routine and deduct points. While it may only be a few points as you can see by the scoring a few points may mean the difference in one or two places.
Dance Results
3A St. Michael's 262.0 258.5 520.5
3A Raton 258.5 249.0 507.5
3A Sandia Prep 264.5 225.0 489.5
3A Hope Christian 245.5 239.0 484.5
3A Socorro 231.0 222.5 453.5
3A Taos 202.5 207.0 409.5
3A Silver 207.5 191.0 398.5
3A Robertson 200.0 195.5 395.5
3A West Las Vegas 188.0 193.5 381.5
Cheer Results
3A Hope Christian 272.0 254.0 526.0
3A Raton 238.0 227.5 465.5
3A Taos 244.0 220.5 464.5
3A Portales 241.0 203.0 444.0
3A Silver 205.5 206.5 412.0
3A St. Michael's 164.5 152.0 316.5
3A Lovington 156.5 149.0 305.5
3A Ruidoso 169.5 122.5 292.0
3A West Las Vegas 89.5 163.5 253.0
3A Robertson 127.5 102.5 230.0
After the performances Friday afternoon both Raton coaches were happy with their scores and knew Saturday would tell the story. Friday's routines are more structured and contain must have elements. Saturday the routines are allowed to be more freely structured so you will see different styles of performances.
As the awards were being presented Saturday emotions were running high and this year it was bitter sweet for the Raton TigerCats dance team as they scored higher than rivals Hope Christian and when the standings were announced the ladies were visibly happy.
In the cheer competition this year saw a closer event as Portales has a new coach and was noticably improved this year and Taos was once again in the hunt as they were last year. Looking at the scores the middle three are fairly close, with Raton and Taos only one point apart.
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| Miranda Luksich and Devon Gutierrez accept the second place trophy for the Raton TigerCats dance team Saturday in Rio Rancho at the State Spirit Competition. |
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| 2013 TigerCats Dance Team Autumn Hunnicutt, Cheyenne Starr, Devon Gutierrez, Heather Segura, Helen Segura Kylie Fleming, Lakken Medina, Miranda Luksich, Moriah Daniel, Renee Martinez Sabrina Valdez, Sarah Earle, Taylin Baker Coach Kelli Gabriele, Coach Sue Holland |
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| Kelli Ortiz and Hunter Garcia accept the second place trophy for the RHS Cheer team Saturday morning in Rio Rancho at the State Spirit Competition. |
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| RHS Cheer Team Alexandra Flores, Alyssa Aragon, Ashlynn Martinez, Brittany Sanchez, Cheyann Duran, Cody Stone, Hunter Garcia Jessica Haynes, Kali Fanelli, Katie Flores, Kelli Ortiz, Natale Castellini, Nayelli Acosta, Nicole James Rachael Sanchez, Raina Morphew, Sandi Lemons, Shania Sanchez, Coach Linda Ortiz, Coach Brenda Ferri |
