The culmination of countless competitions and practices all year has arrived, as local high school and junior high teams are competing in nationals this weekend.
Daviess County will be competing in the Super Varsity Game Day Division I, Apollo will be competing in two events (Super Varsity Non Tumbling Game Day and Large Coed Non Tumbling) and Owensboro will be competing in four events (Small Varsity Coed, Small Varsity Coed Game Day, Large Varsity Non Tumbling Game Day, Large Coed Non Tumbling) at the high school level. For the middle school level, Burns will be competing in the Junior High Non Tumbling Game Day event.
Daviess County is coming off of its second straight regional championship and then grabbing second place at state earlier this season.
Having competed at state in December, Daviess County has been practicing relentlessly for the past few months to prepare.
“We have been preparing both mentally and physically,” Jones said. “Mentally, we create a warm up routine weeks prior to leaving in which we start using to help ease nerves backstage, and create a solid mindset. Physically, we have really pushed to do a lot of “full out” routines mixed with different pieces such as full out spirit to increase energy during performance.”
The Panthers are hoping to utilize some experience they have on their side, as the team has 21 out of their 30 team members that have competed at nationals before.
“The coaches have high expectations heading into Nationals with hopes of competing in finals on Sunday,” Jones said. “In order to finish in a good placement, we have to hit a solid routine with no mistakes. It has to be clean, sharp, and full of energy….They are capable.”
Jones also recognized the efforts of her upperclassman, stating that they have been crucial to their success this year and will have a big impact at nationals.
“The seniors and juniors on this team have been phenomenal in creating an atmosphere of high standards mixed with dedication,” Jones said. “They are the heart of this program.”
