Although the Oxford High School girls Varsity Competitive Cheer Team placed third in last Saturday’s Lapeer East Invitational, coach Alanna Stockley said the team is right where they should be this early in the season.
The girls scored 167.5 in the first round, 164 (with a 35 point penalty) in second and 245 in third round and were the only team to perform back tucks as a team skill in the second round.
‘This past weekend the team as a whole performed very strong,? said Stockley.
With two injuries occurring before the invite, Stockley said the team didn’t dwell on the routine changes and hopes to be stronger at the next invitational.
The team performed unison jumps, level changes, stunting, tumbling and a 10-count precision drill in front of a large audience in Lapeer. Stockley called the atmosphere ‘exciting? because it was the first invitational for many of the teams.
‘So, everyone was really nervous, but it was a great feeling,? Stockley said.
Because the team of 15 is smaller than others in the Flint/Metro League, Stockley said they will continue to practice their back tucks and become ‘the team to beat.?
‘All we need to do is perform better each time we compete,? Stockley said. ‘That is all I ask from my team. We are a talented group.?
The team will face rivals Lake Orion, Chesaning and Stoney Creek at this Saturday’s invitational at OHS at 9:30 a.m.