The Globe High School Coed Cheer Team competed in the AIA State Finals Coed Division II Competition on Feb. 2, at Estrella Foothills High School in Goodyear. GHS placed first in the Pom Division, second in Coed Cheer and fourth in Partner Stunt.

GHS qualified to go to the state competition in all three categories by placing in the top finalists during the State Qualifying Competition in December 2018. The team went into the competition facing the pressure of a “four-peat” performance and defending its state championship title.

There were only two team members that were on the state championship team last year: Junior Presley Martinez and sophomore Malhea Widner.

The other five girls were new members of the team: Seniors Hunter Meeks and Isabella Bigando, junior Jade Bolinger, and freshmen Anisa Spurgeon and Katelyn Long.

The team accomplished their goal and once again brought home the first-place title. This makes the GHS Pom team consecutive, four-time state champions and represents a record for Globe High School.

The Tiger coed cheer team worked hard, representing GHS at the state competition. They came home with a second place. With only four seniors on the team, the boys and girls executed an exceptional performance during competition.

Quoting the judges, “Great Job! What a performance to be proud of!” “What a fun routine to watch because of the energy you bring to the floor!”

These young team members have set a goal and are determined to continue to work hard all year to bring home a state championship next year.

Team members are seniors Katelyn Derhammer, Hunter Meeks, Isabella Bigando and Trace Hill; juniors Presley Martinez, Savannah Garcia, Jenica Widner, Jade Bolinger, Jennifer Zavala, Dimetria Barajas, Gavin Williams, Markell Williams and Jason Jonovich; sophomores Mahlea Widner, Katrin Barajas, Melissa Cottrell, Tristan Burns and Avirum Curiel; and freshmen Nevaeh Noriega, Anisa Spurgeon, Katelyn Long, Adriana Riley and Yessenia Medrano.

GHS partner stunt team members Meeks, Williams and Widner worked hard and placed fourth.

Head Coach Linda Noriega said she is honored to work with the teams and is proud of all team members for their hard work and dedication in representing GHS and the community. Noriega would also like to thank assistant coaches Jan Shumway and Connie Callaway for their help, as well as Principal Robert Armenta and Athletic Director James Simmons for their continued support.

GHS Cheer would like to thank the following business for their sponsorship: Dairy Queen, Freeport McMoRan, Denny’s, Cobre Valley Regional Medical Center, Globe Rotary Club, Big O Tires, Highway 60 Motors, White Poarch, Earth Mover Tires, Kino Floors, Vide e Caffé, O’Reilly, Maggie’s Cottage, Debbie’s Crafts, Massage Therapist Mary O’Donnell and Lynn’s School of Dance for the use of their studio.