By Bob Mortenson
Herald Writer
With just four minutes remaining in their season, endless months of grueling training were put to a final test, and the margin for error was absolute zero.
Apparently some people just thrive under the pressure of the spotlight.
The Meadowdale High School Dance Team earned a third consecutive Class 3A state championship at the Sun Dome in Yakima last Saturday. Their sparkling four-minute routine was judged “Superior.”
“They were awesome,” Meadowdale coach Karen Michel said. “They are just a great, great team.”
Meadowdale offered up a flawless performance to the song “Endangered Species,” by Diana Reeves.
“You have one shot, there are no do-overs,” Michel said. “They were really on at state and peaked at just the right time.”
The 22-member Maverick team was highly motivated and focused, winning numerous competitions before qualifying for state and getting the opportunity to defend their title.
“This team was very together and really close-knit,” Michel said. “I think the girls appreciate that, they felt more like a family.”
Michel, who gave credit to the efforts of choreographer Kirsten Cooper of the Westlake Dance Center, wants to enjoy this title before even contemplating another championship run next year.
“What a privilege it is for me to get to work with these girls,” Michel said. “I’m really, really proud of them.”
Soccer
Fusion rally for State Cup championship: Trailing 2-0 with two minutes remaining in regulation time, the Fusion National GU-13 Premier soccer team rallied for a 4-2 overtime victory over the H.S.A. Eagles of Highline to claim the Snickers State Championship Cup on March 9. Over the course of the season the Fusion were unbeaten and untied, outscoring opponents 220-6, and earning titles in numerous prestigious tournaments in both Oregon and Washington. The Fusion will represent Washington in regional competition in Salt Lake City in late June.
Gymnastics
Rhythmic Gymnastic state titles for local pair: Competing at Level 5, Kelly Manger, a 15-year-old student at Edmonds-Woodway High School, and Maria Forbush, a 13-year-old who attends Saint Thomas Moore School in Lynnwood, each earned all-around titles at the Washington State Rhythmic Gymnastic Championships in Kirkland on March 10. Kelly and Maria, competing in the senior and junior divisions, respectively, each swept the ribbon, hoop, floor exercise and clubs categories en route to their all-around titles.
Leading Edge dominates Derby Days: All-around titles by Samantha Jensen, 10, of Lake Stevens; Erica Field, 14, of Everett; Lily Gaffney, 8, of Everett; Trang Vu, 12, of Marysville; Christina Lancaster, 11, of Stanwood; Chelsey Solemsaas, 10, of Lake Stevens; and Kelsey Morris, 9, of Snohomish, helped the Leading Edge Level 4 and 5 teams to titles at the Derby Days Invitational in Maple Valley last Saturday.
Hockey
State champion NW Admirals scuttled at California tourney: The Mountlake Terrace-based Seattle Junior Hockey Midget AA and Pee Wee AAA teams competed gamely, but came up short at the USA Hockey Pacific District championships at Valencia, Calif., last weekend. The Midget AA squad, ages 15-17, lost 4-3 to the Long Beach Ice Dogs and 6-1 to Alaska before rebounding to defeat the Valencia Express 8-2. The Pee Wee AAA (age 12) team was winless in three games.
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