By Marty Mayfield
KRTN Multi-Media –
After months of hard work and practice, it comes down to two short performances for cheer and dance teams as they compete for a state title at the NMAA State Spirit Competition held this year in Wise Pies Arena, aka The Pit in Albuquerque on April 1 and 2, 2016.
RHS Cheer Coach Linda Ortiz told the crowd at the state preview performance on Tuesday in Tiger Gym they don’t have a second or third quarter to make adjustments or changes, it all comes down to two short performances of one and a quarter minutes and two and half minutes that are judged by five judges and scored on several factors.
As coach Ortiz celebrates 25 years of coaching cheer her 2015-2016 cheer team gave her a very special prize in the form of a state title to help celebrate the years. Ortiz who is a tough coach and is often thought of as being hard on her girls is always surprised and pleased to hear from many of her former cheerleaders as they call or text to wish her well during the state competition. Its those well wishes that Ortiz says she holds dear to her heart and makes it all worthwhile.
She is very proud of this year’s team made up in part with seven eighth graders who she noted has really stepped up and become a big part of the team. These girls have been with the team from the start this year which began back in June 2015 in earnest with practices and camps.
Cheer ended their Friday performance in first place just over nine points ahead of Pecos which they did with an almost perfect routine. They continued that winning trend on Saturday and at the end of the morning session they had outscored the other three teams in class 3A. Pecos(162.08) ended the day just under 12 points behind Raton(173.86) for second place finish over Tucumcari(148.32) and Estancia(122.96).
The RHS TigerCats Dance Team also performed at the State Spirit Competition in what might be called a rebuilding year for them. Coach Sue Holland noted at the state preview performances that the girls have had success during the three competitions that they have competed in on their journey to the state competition. Her team is made up of two seniors and five eighth graders something that is new to Raton dance teams.
While Holland is also very proud of her team she realizes that the younger girls don’t have the skill set that seniors Anjelica Lopez and Caylee Garrett have. Even though the RHS TigerCats had solid performances at The Pit they are also required to compete against class AAAA teams which include the private schools that have dominated the competition for years.
The TigerCats finished day one in fifth only two points behind Taos who was in fourth. As the Saturday morning session ended it was once again the three private schools of St. Mike’s (174.70), Sandia Prep(169.40) and Hope Christian(162.70) as 1,2,3. Taos(158.80) and Raton(151.40) followed it up in fourth and fifth.
The teams will now take a break for about a month and regroup. They will once again begin the yearlong season with camps, practices and specialized training such as tumbling and gymnastic style moves to help with their routines. They will be back on the field and court once football and volleyball begin in the fall ready to perform and inspirit the hometown fans.
Raton Cheer Team: Aliyah Samora, 8th; Alyssa Aragon, Sr; Ariona Marquez, 8th; Brianna Marquez, Soph; Estefani Colin-Martinez, Fr; Frieda Barela, 8th; Gabrielle Sanchez, Soph; Jennifer Acosta 8th; Kailie Village-Center, Jr; Laynee Segura, 8th; Mia Maestas, Jr; Nayelli Acosta, Sr; Rachael Mestas, Fr; Rachel Sandoval, 8th; Tayler Sandoval 8th
Raton TigerCats Dance: Anjelica Lopez, Sr; Caylee Garrett, Sr; Joie Chiaramonte, 8th, Jordyn Brooks, 8th, Kaitlin Silva, 8th, Lillian Romero, 8th, Melinda Murcia, 8th, Mira Maestas, 8th
Link to the State Spirit_Results
Raton’s Alyssa Aragon was recognized Saturday morning for winning the El Richard/Frances Walsh Scholarship. Aragon received the plaque at a ceremony during the state basketball championships where cheer and dance teams also compete in a competition.
