Cheer takes first at state in the 6A non-building division

Posted May 2021

By Daryna Bosyuk

Staff Editor

The varsity cheer team placed first place in the state championship for the 6A non-building division, which was announced live on May 16.

“David Douglas Cheerleaders are talented, hard working and relentless,” said coach Amber Cowgill. “That showed in their final performances that earned them each a first place finish. I am so proud to coach with Mikyla and Brittany.”

The requirements for the state competition required a video no more than two minutes and 30 seconds that included a routine with tumbling, jumps, a cheer, and a dance. The video was due by May 13. The competition was organized by the Oregon Cheer Coaches Association.

Varsity and JV participated in eight competitions each throughout the competition season. Both teams placed first in all traditional routine performances. JV placed first and varsity placed second in the Game Day competition.

“This has been a tough year for everyone, and I am so proud that my kids pushed all the way through the end,” said Cowgill. “I am super proud of my seniors, Kiley Luker and Christina Bouwman, for also setting a good example for their teammates and tried to remain positive throughout every twist and turn. I will forever be thankful for this season and this group of kids and coaches.”

Cowgill has taken a position of assistant principal at Alice Ott Middle School, so after 15 years of coaching cheer at the high school, she is stepping down. Current assistant coach Mikyla Pruitt will coach varsity, and coach Brittany will remain as JV coach. Tryouts for the varsity team, which is year-long, will be held in June. JV cheer for the football season will also be held in June.