MHS Spirit Squad performs at Winter Classic competition

Kerigan Ovard, a senior on the Morgan High School cheer team, had the opportunity to be

captain recently. Sue Kelsey, the advisor of the cheerleading squad at MHS, gives all the seniors

a chance to be captains. They rotate captains each week, which allows different members to

decide what they want to do for that specific period.

Ovard was captain of the cheer team for a competition called the Winter Classic, which took

place on Dec. 3. At the competition, they performed seven routines. “We were able to get first place in the six routines we competed in together, but the seventh was newer to us,” said Ovard. “It was a stunt pod competition.” A stunt pod competition is where stunt pods come up with their own original routine and compete in it. In context, a stunt pod is a group of four people: two bases, a flyer, and a back spot. At the competition, they had an extra spotter on the mat. Their job was no less important than the rest of the team. A spotter’s job is to pay close attention to the routine and help catch a flyer in case of a bad fall. In addition, they are also a significant source of motivation, encouraging the cheerleaders during a routine. “All three of our varsity groups competed in this, and we all did so amazing,” said Ovard. “My stunt group was not able to win it, but it was so close! It was an enjoyable opportunity for all of us to push ourselves to be better.”

The following week, Capri Rich, another senior on the cheer team, had the same privilege as

Ovard. Rich has been a member of the team for four years, taking state three times throughout.

They are hoping for a fourth this year. On Dec 10, the Morgan High School Spirit Squad

had the opportunity to attend a Universal Cheer Association regional competition at the Mountain America Expo Center

in Sandy. “This competition was a great experience!” Rich commented. “We came out even

stronger than before and walked away with a list of things we could perfect in preparation for the

next competition.”

In addition to cheerleading events, the Morgan High School Dance team has had a busy month as

well. Alix Miller, another senior at MHS, is the captain of the MHS Dance Team. She was the

junior captain last year and has been on the team for three years. “I have been dancing since I

was three years old,” said Miller. “I started competitive dancing at the Creative Arts Academy

when I was nine. Being a part of the Spirit Squad I have been able to watch the team grow and be

successful in competitive events. This has given me opportunities to be involved in the school

which has made high school so much more fun!” The Spirit Squad competed in the Show Cheer,

Sideline Cheer, Fight Song, and Pom routines on Dec. 3, at the Winter Valley Classic

competition and Show Cheer and Gameday on Dec. 10 at the UCA competition. As a

team, the Spirit Squad had to prepare each routine to be precise, clean, and crowd involved. This

not only pushed the dancers physically but encouraged them to become closer as a team. “As the

dancers would support the cheer team and the cheerleaders would support the dance team, we

grew to love each other and become a family!” commented Miller. Practicing five days a week

throughout the summer, fall, and winter the Spirit Squad has to learn how to encourage other

members of the team and be a friend to everyone. In the words of Alix Miller, “this time together

has paid off!”