In her final year leading the girls of Manchester West spirit, Sherri Reinfurt has seen the Blue Knights record one of their most successful seasons. Reinfurt retires after eight seasons after leading what she called one of the most wonderful seasons ever.

The ride ended on Sunday, Feb. 25, when West competed at the NHIAA Spirit championships at the University of New Hampshire’s Whittemore Center.

West placed eighth overall, with 151.0 points. In three other competitions this season, the team earned two second-place awards and one third-place finish, including second at the annual Kiwanis cheer competition.

Along with Reinfurt, the Blue Knights lose six girls from Bedford.

Senior co-captains Meghan Spenard and Hayley McDonough take their spirit skills to college next year, while Ashley Marcoux, Emily Slivka and Matte Horton become part of the first squad to cheer for Bedford High.

“This year was more special because we knew it was our last for us and coach,” said Mc- Donough. “We’ve had some great finishes too, hopefully whoever takes over next year can step in and fill coach’s shoes, but it’ll be hard.”

Reinfurt’s roster also welcomed Bedford natives Beth Glennon, Bethany Moreau, Caitlin Hodgeman, Hanna Treu and Stephanie Green, who will help transition the team under a new head coach next year.

Though Reinfurt moves on, some of her rules might stay with next year’s members. Her most important rule – not allowing her girls to watch any Class L performance before their own – has kept the Blue Knights calm and composed before any competition.

Reinfurt said the rule is meant to keep her girls from becoming too overconfident or intimidated in seeing opposing teams’ routines.

At the Kiwanis competition, the Blue Knights sat in the back row with their heads down to avoid sneaking a peak, while at the state competition, Reinfurt had them turn their backs to the floor.

Members from the junior varsity program include Alex Mc- Carthy, Courtney Healy, Emily Houson, Katie Bartley, Mackenzie Nimmo, Madeliyn Wicks, Nicole Riley and Zofia Thibeault. The JV squad competed on Saturday, Feb. 24, where Reinfurt was present to watch the team’s routine.