Cheering: Lewiston reigns in Class A, earns fifth title in six years

The Blue Devils collected conference regional titles a week apart earlier this season, and topped off their undefeated season with a Class A state championship at the Cross Insurance Center on Saturday.

The Blue Devils’ flawless, high-performance extravaganza was visible in every facet of their routine, convincing the judges and most in the gathered crowd that Lewiston deserved a first-place finish. The devils earned a stunning 90.8 points out of 100.

Bangor (82.1) took second and Noble (78.5) finished up in third place. Oxford Hills (75.4) finished in eighth place and the Mt. Blue Cougars (56.5) took 12th place. But Mt. Blue didn’t go away empty-handed — they were awarded the Class A North Good Sportsmanship Award.

It didn’t hurt that a large contingent of vocal fans were on hand to root for their community. To show their gratitude, the Blue Devils acknowledged Lewiston’s heart-felt support with a Class A title.

“We are just so thankful we had so many fans here today,” Lewiston coach Lysa Laverdiere said. “We couldn’t have done it without them. It really is special to have the support of the community and also from other communities. It is really special.”

Indeed, but equally special was the Devils’ act, which was a hard one to follow.

“I honestly don’t have any words,” Laverdiere said. “They have worked so incredibly hard this season They set the goal at the beginning of the year.

“Every single practice they came in and lived up to the expectations just to improve for their performance today, and they did it, and I am so proud of them.”

And those challenges, well, those changes only made the Blue Devils more determined and stronger.

“You know, it was tough,” Laverdiere said. “It really was. There was a lot of behind-the-scenes stuff that we had to work on together, but they came together. They worked together, trusted me and we were successful.

“They are unbelievable. I have the most amazing group of kids I have ever had the opportunity to coach. It’s been a dream.

“The New England Championships, we are ready.”

Nicholas Roy is just grateful to be a member of the Blue Devil cheering team.

“It is kind of an honor to be part of this team,” said the Lewiston cheerleader, who didn’t know much about the sport until middle school.

Junior Kaitlyn Beckwith, whose head-spinning cartwheels dazzled the crowd, felt confident just before the Blue Devils took center stage.

“I felt it from the beginning motion,” Beckwith said. “The energy from the crowd was just blowing up. Probably one of the best experiences I felt in my life.”

Beckwith was not alone in her thoughts.

In Class D, Central Aroostook earned its third consecutive crown, edging Penobscot Valley in the morning session.

In Class C, the Dirigo Cougars took second with a score of 66.0, and qualified for the New England Championships in March.

But Dirigo coach Melissa Carrier was surprised at her team’s second-place showing. Orono (71.0) finished first.

“We lost another girl two days ago.,” Carrier said, “so we put somebody new in, had one day of practice, and we had an injury during warmups today, and so we had to go last,” Carrier said.

But the Cougars were faced with a similar situation at regionals and still won the title in Augusta.

“It feels really good, though,” Carrier said. “This is a hard-working group of girls. They really deserved it. We have a talented team for sure.”

Lisbon (65.5 points) finished in fifth place, Monmouth Academy (56.3) took eighth and St. Dom’s (52.1) ended up in ninth.

In the Class B championship, Gray-New Gloucester (60.7) finished eighth and Mountain Valley (57.7) took 10th.

Class A state cheering championship

1. Lewiston 90.8

2. Banor 82.1

3. Noble 78.5

4. Gorham 78.1

5. Marshwood 77.0

6. Thornton 76.3

7. Brewer 75.6