Hazel Park cheer makes first regional appearance

By Sue Teggart
C & G Sports Writer

In just three short years of being a Michigan High School Athletic Association sanctioned competitive cheer team, Hazel Park High has gone from new kids on the block to top 24 in the state in Division 2.

On Feb. 20, the Vikings advanced out of their district tournament and into regionals for the first time ever after taking third place at Berkley High.

Coach Sara Gallardo said making it to that point in the state tournament was a morale victory for the squad, which ended its season after finishing 11th (673.4920) in the Feb. 27 regional at Carleton-Airport.

“They got there, and they were really excited,” said Gallardo. “It was an ego boost. It makes us think that we can actually do it again. Something that might have been a reach for us is now attainable.”

Gallardo said the squad’s self-belief in districts helped it earn the regional berth.

“In districts, they were down. Right before they were supposed to go on into round 3, we thought they weren’t going to make it, because they were in seventh place and only the top four teams advanced,” Gallado said. “But they had the best performance they could ever have for round 3, and they made it. They finished with third, which was really exciting.”

Gallardo said the squad left everything on the floor in districts.

“It was one of the greatest experiences of the year, because they just finished the full performance and left the floor so excited,” she said. “We didn’t even know we did it (qualified), but we had done our best.”

The girls’ success this season was a bit of a surprise considering there were just four seniors — Alexandria Soria, Allison Corrin, Heather Hill and Paige Milne — back to lead the squad.

“Basically, this was a rebuilding year for me,” said Gallardo. “They surpassed my expectations. When I started seeing we were doing really well and didn’t get anything lower than fourth place at competitions, I had a feeling we could make it far.”

Gallardo said as the season progressed, so did the squad, adding that what they accomplished this season gives the Vikings motivation to set the bar eve higher next year.

“They worked really hard,” Gallardo said. “The girls that I have now are so excited to build a new team and do the best they can next year.”

You can reach Sports Writer Sue Teggart at steggart@candgnews.com or at (586) 279-1107.