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FARMINGTON – The Mt. Blue High School cheerleaders have extensive experience appearing at state-wide sporting events, rooting on the various Cougar teams from the sidelines.
This weekend, for the first time, they’ll be the team taking center stage when they compete for the state championship.
The team placed third at the regional competition on Jan. 23, which was enough to send the Mt. Blue team onto the 2010 State Competition at the Augusta Civic Center. It will be the first time in Coach Holly Gould’s 18-year tenure that the MBHS team has gone to the state competition.
“Making history is great,” she said. “The kids have worked really hard.”
Gould credited the 15-student squad for showing an extraordinary amount of dedication and focus in mastering a short but challenging routine. The team was able to get a score of 132 at the regional event, 10 points higher than the fourth-place team, thanks to their execution of what Gould classified as a “fun, busy and creative” routine.
She also said the feeder programs are important to the program because they provide opportunities at a young age.
“I think we were more excited than what the first-place team won,” said senior Jessica Baker.
Seniors Ariel Hunter, Morgan Bowering, Nathan Davis, Savannah Heath and Baker, in their final year with the program, thought that the team had worked together better than in previous years.
“It was more of a closely knit team this year,” senior Savannah Heath said.
“When we step out on the mat, we leave our problems at the door,” Gould agreed.
The Class A team competition begins at 10 a.m., Saturday, Feb. 6, and the Augusta Civic Center. Both Gould and the students agreed that merely having the opportunity to compete at a higher level was a tremendous accomplishment for the team.
“I think the best part is being recognized and respected for what we do,” senior Ariel Hunter said. Cheerleaders said that other sports teams had stopped by their practices and events, and a group of supporters would be traveling with the team to Augusta Civic Center.
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You guys are awesome, congratulations. Anyone who has takent he time to watch these individuals perform know that their sport requires talent! This team is amazing at the stunts and tumbling they perform for spectators. I wish you the best of luck! Holly and Angela’s dedication and this teams talent will take them all the way in the state championship! GOOD LUCK TO ALL! KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK!
Great Job Girls!!!
I am very proud to be the parent of one of these girls!
Go have fun Saturday (I am sure you all will do a great job representing MT. BLUE)
SEE YA THERE
So proud of the 2009-2010 MBHS Cheering team and what they have accomplished this season. MT BLUE HISTORY!! These kids have worked hard……together as a team, realizing how important each role is. They have supported each other to promote and further their success! Thanks Holly and Angela! Good Luck Saturday Nate and Girls! We’ll be there cheering you on!!!
What an amazing story. 18 years to make it to states – that is a long time and an amazing making history story for Mt. Blue. Congrats to the members of the team. I have seen the younger kids in competition and have been to a few of the high school competitions, these kids are great and with great talent.
Its too bad that my friend was told by gould that her child after 3 years of cheering was just not good enough, in front of the child at that (we are talking about a child under the age of 8) and many others. Seems to me at that age they shouldn’t have to be perfect, but still learning, especially when the child’s parents are not cheering coaches or past cheerleaders. Isnt the younger programs where children are taught to develop and don’t some develop slowly but in the end could be great? Its such a young age to hear something so labeled, its no wonder that the child has given up on something they truly enjoyed and loved, something that made her happy and taught her respect. the last time I visited her family, her room is all cheering, she has proudly displayed all her ‘winnings and participation awards” and she loves the cheering movies . . . why shatter her dream when she still has many years to keep learning? Doesnt sound like good sportsmanship to me. I have invited this child to go with my family to competitions this year but since the incident, she has said she doesn’t want to go, that she “misses cheering but isn’t good enough so she can’t go”.
I hope that her self-esteem isn’t ruined at such a young age because of hearing such words spoken about her publicly. But what is fair when a child who is “tryin out” with the rest of the kids is being called to the front to teach everyone the routine because her mother did the routine?
PLEASE BE CAREFUL OF WHAT IS SAID IN FRONT OF THESE YOUNG GIRLS WHO ARE TRYING TO DO THEIR BEST AND WHO ARE STILL IN LEARNING MODE. IT WOULD BE NICE IF SOMEONE TOOK THE TIME TO SEE HOW THE CHILD WAS DOING SINCE SAYING THINGS IN FRONT OF HER, IT WOULD BE NICE TO LET THE GIRL KNOW TO KEEP TRYING . . . I CAN SAY IF ANYTHING LIKE THAT IS SAID IN FRONT OF MY KIDS – WATCH OUT . . .
I hope ALL these kids in ALL age groups of mt. blue cheering know that they are wonderful and with dedication can be amazing. That they are who the younger kids look up to and that they continue doing what they love!
WE WILL BE CHEERING YOU ALL ON SATURDAY AS I AM A PROUD FAN OF MT. BLUE CHEERING FROM THE MINIS TO HIGH SCHOOL!
GIRLS AND NATE – NO MATTER WHAT, YOU HAVE ALL MADE US PROUD.
This was not written to say negative things about the cheer programs, but more to point out how important cheering can be and how younger cheerleaders can do such great things with positive encouragement and with practice and learning. I can only hope we will see little miss sunshine back on the mats next year because it would be a terrible thing if the comments cost her the skills of wanting to be part of something great, part of a team and part of a “learning” experience.
DEAR CHEER FAN NO MATTER WHAT:
in response to the above comment, I have never nor would I ever tell a kid that they are not good enough to cheer. To me, this seems to have stemmed from a parent that was hoping her child could move up an age level but was not ready maturity wise. We had full programs and had to do what was best for all kids involved. I did say that this child was not ready to move up. Again, it seems to come from the parent being more upset that her daughter didn’t move up a grade level. if you are speaking on behalf of this “friend” maybe you should have heard the entire story and how this “friend’s” daughter was offered to stay on a team, she just wasn’t happy about the decision.
My daughter did teach the cheer at tryouts- and she made the cheer up not me.. because your “friend” didn’t tell you everything she must have left out that my daughter is in 3rd grade and can’t move up or down a level.. so 3rd graders automatically made a team. And I might add that your friend should have shared that I didn’t pick any of the teams, the coaches of those teams did. NO kid was cut from this program. ALL kids made a team unless their parents thought they weren’t ready, or were not happy with the team they were placed on.
maybe it would be wise to get the entire story before writing a paragraph or two with misinformation. I know what I said in front of her and how her mom- your “friend” acted and to me- the way her mom acted about her not moving up a level was way more traumatic than me placing her on a young team.
Again, all kids that tried out for our youth programs made a team. The kids that didn’t stick with it- their parents didn’t want them on the team we placed them on.
sorry to have subjected everyone else to this- I am a tad defensive since I am the coach that picks every cheerleader that shows up- skill or not… I pick a large varsity in the fall and this year each kid that tried out for me- is on my team.
Thank you for taking the time to read this and hearing my side as well.. I would like to reiterate that I would never ever tell anyone’s kid that they are not good enough to cheer.
Dear Cheer Fan No Matter What,
I have cheered for Holly for many years and never in my life have I heard her say that a child is not good enough. To be totally honest she picks anyone no matter their skills, she ACTUALLY picks people who DONT have skills. Take Nate for example…His freshman year he completely sucked and look at him now. Holly has the biggest heart of anyone I know that she would never say ANYTHING to ANYONE to hurt their feelings. She believes that everyone deserves a chance. That is one reason why everyone makes the younger teams. If it was up to me some of the girls would not have made it but Holly told us we could not cut. If a child is not ready to move up then they shouldnt because it brings the other girls, who are at the higher level, down!! That is not fair to the more experienced girls.
This is the world of cheering and if you were at any other school not everyone would make it.
I want to start out by saying that I’m very proud of this team. They’ve worked so hard this season and it’s definately payed off. Holly, Angela, Nate and the girls have worked their butts off and this is an amazing accomplishment. Unfortunately, some don’t appreciate the fact that Holly and the rest of the coaches and board have made an effort to place every child on the team they belong. If your “friend” knows so much about cheering, she would know that it takes a lot of time and effort to make it to states.It takes several years of dedication and commitment to accomplish something like this. Not all sports have had the priviledge of making it to states even once. Once again congratulations to holly, angela, nate and the girls. You guys have made it so far and I’m proud of every single one of you. I will be seeing you all on saturday! I love you guys!!
I think we did amazing this season, we are more of a team. I think Holly Gould is an amazing coach! She molded us into the cheerleaders we are today. Yes, when I was younger the other coaches also taught me a lot, but i disagree with the comment above from ” Cheer fan no matter what”. Honestly, Holly doesn’t make the decisions for the younger the teams. The coaches do. Sometimes the little girl or boy is not ready to move up, as they will be behind all the others on the team. But they do stay on a team, they are still part of a team, and will still learn and improve themselves for next year. That is fine if the parent or younger cheerleader chooses not to cheer for that younger team, but I have known Holly for my entire cheer career and i KNOW that Holly would never tell a cheerleader that she or he was not good enough for a Mt. Blue youth cheerleading team or in fact a team at all. Holly is a great coach. this year she chose everyone who tried out for her high school team. No matter what team your on at least your still on one and you are still learning. I don’t think it is fair to attack coach Gould, especially while giving her a bad name, and not saying or knowing the whole story. It also wouldn’t be fair to put a little girl on a higher up team when she isn’t ready; it also wouldn’t be fair to the other team members. Every child is good enough for a cheerleading team. This is my opinion. I know some people’s opinions don’t matter to you. But to trash talk a high school coach on the internet, on our article, about the first time we go to states, is not cool. She is a wonderful coach and she has been amazing. She certainly doesn’t favor her daughter, so I’m thinking you should maybe get your facts straight, my opinion is that a mature adult would confront the coach in a nice manner rather than freak out that the child didn’t make a higher team, and not to trash talk on the internet. Again this is only my opinion on the situation.
Back to the Story, I for one enjoyed reading this article for the fact it is so good to read about young kids accomplishing such goals. I would also like to think that someone who coaches for 18 years be commended for STICKING WITH IT! I know first hand that coaching is not a high paid position (if any at all) and that it is a lot more involved behind the scenes and outside of practices and/or games. I would like to thank Mrs. Gould for being there and NEVER giving up on the cheering program…from youth up to the high school. Many folks in the area who think of this sport automatically think of Holly just as Mt. Blue and the Boys Basketball go with Jim Bessey. My hats off to you Holly and all the cheerleaders present and past that have made cheering what it is today!!! The community has a lot to be proud of as so many young cheerleaders in the feeder programs are working hard to make this sport more noticable and fun! I do believe their may be an error in the article, it states its the first time for Holly’s 18 year duration for the team to make it to States, yes that is true but also would like to add it is the first time EVER in the history for Mt Blue cheering to be called back and make it to States. Good Luck this Saturday!!!
Good point Ivan, BACK TO THE STORY. Way to go Mt. Blue Cheerleaders I am so proud of you and can’t wait for you to enjoy the excitement at STATES on Saturday. You are an amazing group of cheerleaders and have been a joy to coach. Have fun, breathe and no nerves :-)
WOW – Congrats to Mt. Blue High School Cheerleaders. I am disappointed in Cheer Fan No Matter What because I think you might be talking about my child . . . my daughter was disappointed to have to stay on the minis for a fourth year, but it was her choice if she wanted to cheer this year knowing she would be on the minis….and yes she was sitting there crying on the mat, but again it was her choice to give up on the sport this year… and yes Gould did make a comment to me with my daughter right there when I asked why she was pretty much the only mini not to move up, and I think my daughter has been taking that time this season to “grow”. Cheer Fan No Matter What – thank you for thinking this was the best way to deal with this – but it was not. Please next time ask before putting info out there like this . . . I am sorry to be so forthcoming.
Way to go Mt. Blue and coaches Holly & Angela! Make us all proud. and Good Luck to all the cheerleaders this season.
One more thing, just so people know, my family and I tried hard to get my daughter (age 7) to at least go to the first practice of the minis and she refused. I can’t make her go if she doesn’t want to go because to me if would make her not love what she was doing. Coach Gould I do hope we see you next year for tryouts and I hope my daughter is ready for whatever comes her way. As we explained to my daughter, she would have been a big help to the minis. If it is her passion then she will continue with cheering as long as she can no matter what comes her way – but its her choice, not one for anyone else to make. I refuse to make a child do a sport if they don’t want to do because it sets them up for failing down the road, but I will support her choice. I was not so much upset that she didn’t move up, but more hurt and heart borken to see her sitting there on the mat all alone crying. I also shared with her that she did more talking than learning the routine that was being shared and moving up a team requires not talking when being taught because as you get older the routines get harder and the coaches need you paying attention. Please don’t assume I was upset with you because she didn’t move up, I was upset from seeing her so heart broken and in tears right there is front of everyone. Please don’t assume I kept her from cheering because we tried talking her into going to the first practice all week and come that Sunday we got her up and ready to go and she still said “I told you I am not going.”
One more thing to Cheer Fan No Matter What – You were not there because I know who you are – and you have really never been there for your little girl when it comes to cheering so please don’t post info that you don’t want to post the facts that were told to you because you make me yet again look like the bad parent. And if you are going to state info then put her age correctly instead of “pretending”. Just leave us out of your facebook, myspace and posting on blogs.
Sorry people for this! Next time I encourage this parent CFNMW to contact me directly and I am glad he is still a fan.
Again Good Luck Mt Blue and Coaches Holly and Angela. Just remember cheerleaders that just being there at States you have already made this hometown proud!
We will see you next year at tryouts hopefully…..Sorry readers for having to be direct!
Hey fans an update….
Mt. Blue cheerleaders came in 6h overall. They are 6th in the state for Class A.. Way to go ladies and Nate. Thank you so much all parents, family, friends and fans- we couldn’t have made it this far without your support.
Love you all
HOLLY
Dear Cheer Fan No Matter What
As a parent of one member of the Mt. Blue High School 2009-2010 Cheering Squad (and two from the Mt. Blue Rec Cheering Program) I would like to personally thank you for TRYING to STEAL the GLITZ and GLAM of what they accomplished this season. Your issue wasn’t with this team but our Rec Program so for it to be brought up with their article was disheartening for them! Incase you weren’t there today for STATES they came in 6th out of the 12 Class A teams competing today……..that’s 6th out of all 29 Class A teams in the state of Maine. Not to bad for their first time ever!
I’m am sorry for your friends daughter’s disappointment over which team she was placed (as was my own niece) however this season’s high school squad’s success had alot to do with having a feeder program as MANY of the teammembers came from it……including all 3 varsity freshman, back when the youngest teams started in 4th grade! As in EVERY sport not everyone can be happy 100% of the time but we try to do what is best for everyone as a whole.
Thank you Sports Parent for trying to set some of the story straight! And yes regardless of what you, your daughter or anyone else thinks we DEFINATELY hope to see her at the next set of tryouts (both football and competition seasons~~~but I have a feeling she has picked a different fall sport).
PROUD PARENT OF MT. BLUE CHEERLEADERS
Thank you Cheerma – you are 100% correct in everything – This story was for an amazing team of students and although I don’t know these students I am very proud of what they have done and I am proud of the coaches. I am truly sorry for the person who felt they had so much to say -THERE IS A TIME AND PLACE FOR STUFF LIKE THAT AND THIS WAS NOT IT.
As for my little girl – you are also right, regardless of what anyone else thinks she will make up her own mind and if its meant to be then she will put her mind and soul into trying to be the best cheerleader that SHE can be with the help of her family, friends, peers, teammates and coaches and I hope with some help from the Mt. Blue Cheerleaders in high school, as they have been wonderful to see helping the little kids. You are also right about her football cheering years – she has a likely for another sport – but we never know – its her dreams that she will follow – not anyone elses. But her choice this year I wish people would see as a personal growth for her – there were so many changes in her life that the time away from sports this winter has been a good one for her – I have a feeling we will see you next year!
YOU ALL HAVE DONE A WONDERFUL JOB, BOTH THE HIGH SCHOOL CHEERLEADERS AND THE REC PROGRAM ~GO MT. BLUE
Just wanted to add the coach Holly Gould was named KVAC’s Class A East Coach of the Year!!!!! Way to go Holly!