It was an injury that threatened to derail varsity cheer’s season. Now, it’s one that could be the catalyst to the squad’s best finish in years.

Senior Makenna Seeley suffered an injury the day before the January 20th Winter Chill Vibes Invitational tournament at Union-Endicott. The injury forced a routine change the squad practiced just hours before the event. The result? A third-place finish in the small squad division and a boost of confidence that has stayed with the team as it prepares for Saturday’s STAC Championships.

 

 

“It showed everyone what we’re able to overcome and we’re ready to show people what we can accomplish,” said senior Tabitha Anderson.

“I kept telling them they’re good and they can compete with other squads. They didn’t believe me but then they saw that they can compete with these other schools,” said cheer coach Lindsay Rogers. 

Seeley is now healthy and looking to place in the STAC tournament for the first time in her high school career. 

“I think we have more confidence,” said Seeley. “This is probably the best the squad has been since I’ve been here.”

 

 

Windsor needs to finish in the top three of the Varsity Division II group to place. The squad will compete against teams from Maine-Endwell, Chenango Forks, Chenango Valley, Owego, Norwich and Oneonta.

“It’s steep competition,” said Rogers.

Teams will perform a routine with a maximum time of two minutes and 45 seconds. They will be judged on stunting, tumbling, technique, dance and cheer.

“It’s about putting on a dynamic performance. That’s really what they’ll be judged on,” said Rogers.

The STAC Championships are in Horseheads on Saturday, February 17th. Competition begins at 11am.

“This is the best we’ve been. I’ve learned a lot over the last two seasons. We’re no one if not every one of us shows up,” said Anderson. “We’ve grown. We’ve gone through struggles that have made us stronger as a team.”