After finishing last season just two points away from a qualifying spot for the state finals, the Lake Orion varsity competitive cheerleading squad is back this year more experienced and well-conditioned.
There are 31 girls on the varsity team this year, including 21 who return from last year.
Returning seniors are captains Didi Chamielewski, Annie O’Dell and Nicole Oakes.
Other returning seniors include: Alex Tracy, Nicole Fortin, Jessi Zmierski, Jessica Morgan, Danielle Elsey, and Jessica Austin.
Returning juniors are: Kendall Stout, Jessica Stefko, Alycia Klocke, Stephanie Ferguson, Ashley Hartzell, Lauren Mannor, Stephanie Duda, Kaley Savage, Stephanie Miszewski, Jessica Miracle and Samantha Resendez
The team returns one sophomore, Allison Adams.
‘It’s kind of a work in progress,? coach Nancy DeAvila said of the team. ‘Our juniors started second round as freshmen…it’s been interesting to watch the growth.?
Last year, the Dragons were just two points away from the third in the regional competition, which would have qualified them for the state competition. They lost that spot to Stoney Creek.
‘We lost four senior back tucks from last year, but we also gained four new ones,? said DeAvila. ‘We pretty much replaced what we lost.?
DeAvila said the team’s overall strength is greatly improved, especially in stunting.
‘They are in better shape,? she said. ‘They’re more hard working, and better focused.?
Lake Orion will see more competition in their region, which went from 10 teams last year to 16 this year.
‘They’re very goal-oriented,? DeAvila said of the varsity. ‘They started the football season strong with stunting, and at camp.
‘It makes them feel physically stronger, which gives them more confidence,? she said.
The Dragons have stepped up the difficulty level in all three of their cheers, and are much further along a this point than they were last year, DeAvila said.
‘We’re almost done compiling material now, so we have so much more time to work on it,? she said.
‘It’ll be a very competitive season. We face opponents from our regional several times.?
Besides Stoney Creek, Lake Orion’s toughest opponents will include Troy Athens and Troy High.
‘Tumbling is always a focus for us,? said DeAvila. ‘The second round cheer is so reliant on that.?
Lake Orion has a program-wide goal of improving jumping, but so far DeAvila said the varsity hasn’t had a chance to talk about their goals for themselves yet.
‘They are excited the regional is at our school,? she said.