It's already been a busy and productive year for the Tiger cheerleading squad, both on the sidelines in the community.
Most Farmington fans are aware of the team's enthusiastic presence at varsity, junior varsity and B-squad football games but many might not know of its competitive successes this fall.
Last weekend the cheer squad traveled to Kenyon to take part in one of four regional competitions leading up to the state finals in St. Paul on Oct. 15.
The Farmington team performed a football situation cheer, a timeout crowd cheer and its school fight song for a panel of judges who scored the performance on proper situation, formation, motion techniques, voice, execution, synchronization and overall effect.
When the scores were tallied Farmington found out it was on the way to the state Class AA competition for the first time in school history.
Members of the 2011 cheer squad include captains Meagan Peterson and Julie Tang, Kelsey King, Sarah Burke, Heather Torkelson, Sadie Brewer, Aleah Williamson, Sadie LaPlante, Morgan Elliott, Brianna Leonard, Brea Metzger and Raelyn Ruby.
Meagan Peterson
Individual state qualifier
The Tiger cheer squad isn't the only Farmington entrant advancing to the state finals. Senior captain Meagan Peterson earned a spot in the state individual competition with a strong showing at a regional on Sept. 24.
"This is only the second time in school history we have had an individual make the Great Minnesota Cheer all-state finals," coach Nancy Stein said. "In 2009 Dylan Victor made it but he was unable to compete because of illness."
Peterson, who has been a varsity cheerleader for three years and a team captain for the past two, will compete at the individual state finals to be held at Concordia University-St. Paul on Oct. 15.
Spreading the spirit
Community Contributions
Despite their busy schedule the cheer team has also found time to make a host of contributions to the Farmington community this fall.
Residents traveling downtown can see clear evidence of one of their projects, decorating store windows to help promote school spirit.
Looking to the future, the girls also conducted a cheer clinic for youth in grades one through five.
One of their proudest accomplishments of the fall season has been the formation of the Sparklers, an adaptive cheer squad for individuals in grades six through 12. The group will perform at several athletic events throughout the school year.
"I could not be prouder of our cheerleaders," coach Stein said. "They are amazing young ladies who represent their school and community with great pride and spirit."
