Red Mountain Cheer takes cheerleading to the next level.
Dalia Garcia Ellington, the Varsity Spirit Line coach at Red Mountain High School, who also teaches freshman English, is no stranger to the world of cheer. She has brought her passion and expertise for cheer to the squad.
On Feb. 2, the girls competed in the Arizona Interscholastic Association (AIA) championship competition where they placed third overall. The state competition takes place on March 2, followed by Nationals in Anaheim, Calif., during spring break. There is no rest for this coach and her girls who have intense practice sessions, which demand concentration, focus, motivation and a love of cheer.
Dalia’s freshman team has won a pair of first place trophies at two different competitions this year. Along with this accomplishment, her Varsity Pom and Cheer has qualified to compete at AIA state and national competitions. To top off the list of accolades, her five-man stunt group currently is the state regional champion, winning first place in the November competition.
Besides being athletes and doing everything required to maintain their stamina and strength, many of her girls are taking honors classes. A member of the squad was accepted into Arizona State University’s Barrett’s Honor College. Way
to go!
Meet you next year at the stadium. You can join in the cheers and be awed by the girls. Go Lions!