Lisbon and Dirigo set their sights on winning a state title for the first time.
AUGUSTA – Lewiston and Poland are seeking atonement. For Lisbon and Dirigo, the motivation is first-time accomplishment.
Those four local schools lead the charge into today’s state cheerleading championships, a one-site event for all classes that attracts thousands of spectators each winter.
Competition begins at Augusta Civic Center with Class C at 9 a.m. Class A takes the floor at 12:55 p.m. The auditorium will be cleared prior to the evening session, which features Class D at 4:25 p.m. and Class B at 7:45 p.m.
Defending champions are Lewiston in Class A, Rockland in Class B, St. Dom’s in Class C and Fort Fairfield in Class D.
Lewiston won over the crowd but ran afoul of the judges at this year’s regional championship two weeks ago.
After receiving a warning about the legality of one of its stunts in the final round of the KVAC meet, coach Deneka Fortier modified the performance by ensuring that the Devils had an extra spotter in place.
Fortier thought the change met Maine Principals’ Association requirements. Lewiston received a five-point deduction, however, and it was enough to give Brewer the Eastern title.
“We will talk to them and do whatever we have to do to make sure it doesn’t happen again,” Fortier said.
The Blue Devils’ high-energy, classic-rock themed routine makes them both a crowd favorite and a favorite to repeat, in spite of their runner-up disappointment at regionals.
“Lewiston is an amazing team,” Brewer coach Kristie Reed said after the Eastern competition. “The key for us is not focusing on them but doing what we do to the best of our ability.”
Brewer was last year’s state runner-up. Perennial power Oxford Hills also earned a state bid out of the Eastern bracket.
Poland looks to go one better than last year, when it won Western Maine for the first time but finished a close second to Rockland at states.
“Now we know what it takes,” said Poland coach Tiffany Fortier, sister of Deneka. “Last year was our first time at states.”
The Knights will be pushed by the defending champion Tigers, who won Eastern Maine. Poland also is joined by locals Gray-New Gloucester and Mountain Valley along with Gorham, coached by Oxford Hills graduate Kate Loveless, in a deep Class B group.
Lisbon enters the competition on the strength of its first regional championship in eight years. The Greyhounds aim for their first state title along with Dirigo, which takes the state mat for the first time ever.
Dirigo’s coaching staff joked that the Cougars hope to discover the same positive energy their school’s girls’ basketball team has harnessed in Augusta, not losing a game in the cavernous arena in nine consecutive tournaments.
“It’s worked for Gavin (Kane, basketball coach), so why not us?” Dirigo coach Tammy Conlogue said.
Don’t underestimate St. Dom’s and Monmouth, which finished third and fourth in the regional meet, respectively. The Saints seek their fifth Class C crown in six years, while Monmouth owns eight cheering championships in C and D, a state record for all classes.
Buckfield is a finalist in Class D.
koakes@sunjournal.com
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