BY RYAN O'CONNOR John Stark was a leaping, kicking, flipping example of the old adage, “Save the best for last.” Of the 38 competing squads at the New Hampshire Fall Spirit Championships, the Lady Generals were one of the final groups to take the floor. Competing against 12 fellow Class I schools on Sunday, Nov. 4, at the ...

BY RYAN O'CONNOR First-year Central cheerleading coach Alison Kivikoski couldn’t stop smiling. The Little Green had just finished their routine at the New Hampshire Fall Spirit Championship on Sunday, Nov. 4, and she was elated with what she saw. “They’ve had a tough season, a lot of injuries, and nerves and stuff like ...

BY SAPNA PATHAK At this year’s NHIAA spirit championship, the Goffstown Grizzlies took 10th place. But on the bus ride home, their head coach made them cry. Tears of joy and sorrow followed as Doris Gamache handed each of her cheerleaders a letter summing up her thoughts on their successful season and saying her final goodbye to the ...

BY SAPNA PATHAK In her first year leading Concord High’s spirit squad, Janice Nichols learned one thing: Class L competition is intense. Competing at this year’s NHIAA Spirit championships, the Crimson Tide took ninth with 149.0 points. Though Nichols wanted to finish in the top five, she said the top-10 placing would serve as a ...

BY SAPNA PATHAK A little more than a month after coming in second to rival Pembroke Academy at this year’s Kiwanis cheerleading competition, Pelham High’s spirit squad climbed back to the top of the Class I mountain. On Feb. 25, the Lady Pythons used four weeks of extra practice to propel them to the state title at this year’s ...

BY SAPNA PATHAK It happens at the beginning of every winter spirit season; it doesn’t count in the final standings; participation is optional to prevent any early season injuries; and it allows other teams to see what you’ll bring to the state championship meet. But, it’s the one competition Granite State cheerleaders look ...

Salem girls take top spot at Class L championship By Sapna Pathak Salem went into the Class L Fall State Spirit Competition  without worrying about the final outcome. The team walked away as the newly crowned Class L champions. Head coach Colleen O’Shea and assistant coach Tracy Berube mentored a squad fueled by strong work ethic and ...