National Competition begins Thursday in Orlando, Fla; Midget
team vying for three-peat
Mark Dehn, special to the Times
MORGAN HILL
The Morgan Hill Raiders Cheer Program is the best in the Bay Area. Its teams have traveled to Nationals since 2003 and have reloaded every year, whether they’re adding two, three, or 15 new cheerleaders or revamping their routines.
These teams have worked hard over the past few months in preparation for the upcoming National Competition in Orlando, Fla., a chance for them to bolster the respect and acclaim they deserve. The event begins Thursday at Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex, site of the Pop Warner “Super Bowl.”
Coming off a first-place effort at regionals, the Midget Cheer Team is the two-time defending champion of the Small Intermediate Division, and the Junior Midget team is coming off a third-place finish a year ago. Morgan Hill also is sending a Junior Pee Wee team looking to win its first title.
The Midget team started the year with only two veterans from 2009. They have worked hard during the past few months in hopes of reaching its goal of a rare three-peat. It would make history in the Small Intermediate Division, thus distinguishing the Morgan Hill team as one of the all greatest.
The Midget cheerleaders are headed by a phenomenal staff that includes coach Shelly Solorio, assistant coach/choreographer Shana’e Waters, assistant coaches Kristal Salgado and Cyndi Robison, team mom Rachelle Kendrick, and coach trainee Shanice Washington. They work tirelessly to help the team be successful.
The champions of each division will be crowned Dec. 11, and the local teams have high hopes of bringing back titles not only for themselves but for the Morgan Hill community.
