By: Jade Wise
Pasadena ISD Communications
The Pasadena Memorial Maverick Alliance Competition Squad recently placed 2nd in the medium novice division of the National Cheerleading Association (NCA) High School Nationals competition in Dallas, Texas.
During the competition, the Mavericks faced off against 11 of the top teams in the nation during two 2 ½ minute routines, where teams were judged on their performance in 10 categories, including stunts, jumps and tumbling. The scores from the two routines were then totaled and averaged for the final score.
The 19-member Maverick team was awarded “Best in Tumbling” and “Best Use of Stunts” en route to a cumulative score of 96.4 – trailing Northside ISD’s O.W. Holmes High School by only 1.65 points.
“This year they pulled out all the stops,” said Coach Gracy Murillo. “The choreography was very personalized. There was a lot of stomping, the music was really good and they had fun with it. The routine was emotional and we really felt it this year.”
Preparations for nationals began for the Mavs after receiving a bid during a Varsity Spirit Summer Camp last year. Senior Cassidy Merritt estimated that each member of the team put in over three hours a day to perfect the routines and practice for the national competition.
“Blood, sweat and tears went into preparing for this competition,” said Merritt. “We have great coaches that push us out of our comfort zones to not only be physically ready, but also mentally ready.”
Jasmine Sanchez, another senior on the team said that she is proud of the hard work and the way the team came together to accomplish a goal.
“That feeling of walking off the mat and just knowing that we left it all out there is something that I’m very proud of,” said Sanchez.
The Pasadena Maverick Alliance Competition squad has placed at least third place the past three years, with a second place finish in 2017 and third place last January.
Kassidy Cargile, head coach and a member of the first placing Maverick team at NCA Nationals in 2013, said that she finds being able to come back and coach rewarding.
“It’s very emotional being able to see it from this side,” said Cargile. “Every performance this year was just as fun for me as when I did it in 2013.”
(Photo Submitted): The Pasadena Memorial Maverick Alliance Competition Squad arriving at the NCA competition where they would place 2nd in the medium novice division.
(Photo Submitted): The Pasadena Memorial Maverick Alliance Competition Squad scored a 96.4 for their performance at the NCA competition in Dallas.