Local Cheer Programs Show Growth at State Championships

At the CHSAA spirit championships held at the Denver Coliseum December 11 to 13, several squads from the Dolores County area delivered performances that point to steady program development. Mancos competed in the Co Ed division and recorded a 69.35 raw score that was later adjusted with deductions to 63.35, earning a fifth place finish just outside finals. Dolores High School entered the 2A Cheer division and scored 51.95, placing sixth, an improvement of three spots from the previous year. Montezuma Cortez finished tenth in 3A Cheer with a 58.05 score.

The results highlight a rising trend for Dolores County programs, particularly for the Dolores squad where the roster contained no seniors and for half the team this was a first state appearance. That composition suggests the current success is being driven by underclass athletes and signals potential for further gains as experience accumulates. Area coaches also pointed to growth in youth feeder programs and greater consistency across teams in the region, factors that help explain improved results and could sustain progress over multiple seasons.

For local residents and school officials the immediate impact is practical and measurable. Improved placements at state events can increase visibility for school activities, bolster booster and parent engagement, and influence decisions about resource allocation for coaching and facilities. Because several athletes are returning in future years, administrators may face new decisions about how to support training schedules, travel budgets, and community engagement strategies to maintain momentum.

Looking ahead, the county stands to benefit from continued investment in youth and high school cheer programs as pathways for student leadership and school spirit. With a largely underclass roster in place at Dolores and steady showings from neighboring schools, the coming seasons will provide clearer evidence of whether these results mark a temporary upswing or the start of a durable regional trend.