Gilmer High School cheerleaders are heading back to the state finals.
GHS qualified for the event at last Saturday’s region competition, which also served as sectionals. Fourteen schools from three regions were in attendance at Hillgrove High School, and Gilmer finished second among its region mates, and that was high enough for advancement.
“We had to place in the top eight out of the teams that were there and got second in our region, which earned us a top-eight spot in that scoring group to go on to state finals,” coach Naomi Esparza said.
Dawson placed first, and Gilmer netted 67 points in its runner-up finish. Unlike most years, GHS cheerleaders spent the weeks leading up to the event making adjustments rather than polishing the routine.
“I think we did really well, and we’ve been dealing with some injuries the past couple weeks and some girls in quarantine,” Esparza said. “We’ve had to make some change in the routine again.
“In that last week, we usually focus on fixing and nailing own little things we know about. But this time, we had to have a lot of routine changes, which we never do as you prepare for region. I think they did really well of coming together and putting the routine on the floor that we had.”
Cheerleaders will have the week ahead to prepare for state finals. Esparza does not anticipate any further alterations as Gilmer eyes the finish line.
“I definitely do not look for any more changes. The only thing I want to do before next week is focus in on some sections of the routine we need to clean up, some timing issues we need to fix and just keep our spirits high and the girls’ confidence up,” Esparza said.
“That’s the biggest thing when you’re in a season that has been going on since the summertime. They’re tired and their bodies are tired. I want to focus on what we got and make it the best we can and enjoy that state experience.”
The state competition will be held next Tuesday, Feb. 16, at the Macon Coliseum.