42 MARCH 2024 By Rachael Bouley Arcadia High and Xavier Prep’s Cheer and Pom teams have taken the Spiritline world by storm, with performances that culminated in the AIA State Championships in December and January and USA Spirit Nationals in February.  At Arcadia, the teams supported boys and girls sports while honing their skills during competitions. Varsity Cheer took first place in Show Cheer at Regional USA Spirit Qualifiers, fifth at the AIA State Championships and second at the TSC Sonoran Desert Classic. These competitions helped them prepare to finish strong at the Nationals in Anaheim in February. “Every season comes with challenges, but we are so proud of the girls and their ability to adapt,” Cheer Coach Sophia Digati said. “They have pushed through any obstacles with grace and resilience.” Varsity Pom came in third at the USA Regionals and the Desert Classic, with a fifth- place finish in Division 2 State. In addition to the nationals-bound Varsity Cheer and Pom, the program had some standout newcomers. “Our JV Cheer team has progressed solidly all year, earning their best finish yet at the Desert Classic. They finished third with a great routine with zero deductions,” cheer mom Katie Gilbert said. Coach Digati is new to the squad, but with help from returning assistant coach Moriah Taylor – and plenty of support from the Spiritline – the season was a success. “We have had an amazing season. We competed at TSC and won first in jazz and third in pom and also won grand champion in the whole jazz division, but also had an amazing time cheering on our football team in the fall,” member Brooke Tessmer said. “It was incredible cheering them through an undefeated regular season and into the playoffs.” Brooke’s favorite part of competing is the moment they step foot off the stage. “That feeling is one I will never forget. Running to all of our supporters and knowing all of the blood, sweat, and tears we put into our dances has paid off, is amazing,” Brooke said. Pom made it to finals in jazz and placed seventh overall at Nationals. The Titans also thrived in a new event. “The brightest spot was our All-Girl Stunt team, who advanced to the finals in our first year ever competing in Stunt,” Gilbert said. “They took fourth place out of 18, which was very exciting.” “This is the first time Arcadia has advanced to the finals in five years, so just advancing was a huge win for the teams,” Pom mom Sue Tessmer said.  At Xavier, the Gators looked to follow up on a strong 2023 competition schedule, which saw Varsity Cheer finish second in Crowdleader and Show Cheer. The season kicked off with a bang as they qualified for Nationals in November, finishing first in Gameday, second in Show Cheer and Pom, and fifth in Jazz. Xavier started 2024 with a competition at the Cactus Cup Challenge, ending the day with Top 10 finishes: Show Cheer finished first and Gameday second, followed by Pom in third place and Jazz in sixth. The Gators also went 3-for-3 with all routines competing in the state finals for Division 1 Show Cheer, Division 1 Pom and Medium Jazz. “Our girls have done amazing this year,” Coach Monica Gaspar said. “Not only have we placed well in several competitions, but we also are proud to have a team GPA of 3.94.” Their hard work culminated in two National Championship wins: the top honor in Medium Show Cheer Advanced and Super Crowdleader. They came prepared, although a stomach bug forced the team to do some re- working to the routine before hitting the floor. “Their resilience is unmatched. They all pulled together when they needed to and overcame illness and injuries along the way, all in one weekend,” Gaspar said. “And despite all of the issues, they were still able to hit their best routine and come out on top. I could not be more proud of who this team is, and all that they fought for. It was a wonderful weekend, and they are much deserving of these national titles!” High School Spiritline squads season wrap-up Arcadia High’s Cheer Team at the USA Regional competition in January. Arcadia High’s Pom Team. Xavier Prep’s Cheer Team won the top honor in Medium Show Cheer Advanced. Xavier Prep’s Pom Team. PHOTOS COURTESY OF XAVIER PREP PHOTOS COURTESY OF ARCADIA HIGH SCHOOL J M Chapman Agency Inc Jay Chapman, Agent Bus: (480) 945-7122 7055 E Thomas Rd Scottsdale, AZ 85251 jchapman@amfam.com American Family Mutual Insurance Company, S.I. & its Operating Companies, 6000 American Parkway, Madison, WI 53783 ©2015 006441 – Rev. 2/20 – 12923221 CALL (480) 945-7122 FOR A NO-OBLIGATION FREE QUOTE. INSURANCE DESIGNED WITH YOU AND YOUR DREAMS IN MIND. J M Chapman Agency Inc Jay Chapman, Agent Bus: (480) 945-7122 7055 E Thomas Rd Scottsdale, AZ 85251 jchapman@amfam.com erican Family Mutual Insurance Company, I. & its Operating Companies, 00 American Parkway, Madison, WI 53783 2015 006441 – Rev. 2/20 – 12923221 ALL (480) 945-7122 FOR A O-OBLIGATION FREE QUOTE. SURANCE DESIGNED WITH OU AND YOUR DREAMS IN IND. J M Chapman Agency Inc Jay Chapman, Agent Bus: (480) 945-7122 7055 E Thomas Rd Scottsdale, AZ 85251 jchapman@amfam.com American Family Mutual Insurance Company, S.I. & its Operating Companies, 6000 American Parkway, Madison, WI 53783 ©2015 006441 – Rev. 2/20 – 12923221 CALL (480) 945-7122 FOR A NO-OBLIGATION FREE QUOTE. INSURANCE DESIGNED WITH YOU AND YOUR DREAMS IN MIND. INSURANCE DESIGNED WITH YOU AND YOUR DREAMS IN MIND. CALL (480) 990-8855 FOR A NO-OBLIGATION FREE QUOTE.

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