Cheer team named National Champions

By Sandy Morris

Albany Sports Center sent two cheer teams to compete at the American Spirit Championship 2021 North Texas Express Nationals at the Curtis Calwell Center in Garland on Sunday, March 7.

The Level 3 team members were named National Champions in their division and brought home a banner for the gym and a hoodie for each girl on the team. 

Coach Kourtnee Waters said the team did very well, despite several obstacles.

“I thought they did a good job considering the craziness of the weather, as well as other commitments like stock shows and softball,” said Waters.

While the team doesn’t receive a critique from the judge, they do receive a score.

“A perfect score is 95.3,” said Waters. “Our girls received a score of 94.7.”

The ASC youth team is made up of girls ages six to 13.

 The Albany show team also performed at the competition, but this group is not judged and receives no scores. 

The show team includes younger girls who are just beginning to learn the fundamentals.

“The show team did very well during their routine,” Waters said. “They were awarded individual trophies.”

She said the entire group really enjoyed the event, and that it was much more laid-back and easy going than their previous competition at AT&T stadium on Feb. 6.

“Parents were allowed to enter the venue and stay for the day, and the girls didn’t have to wear a mask to warm up back stage or to perform,” said Waters.

Waters, who is assisted by coach Lindsey Vaughn, said the show team is finished for the season, but the Level 3 team has one more competition on April 24 at Six Flags in Arlington.