By By KEVIN TRAVIS, Sports Editor
After four years, Alicia Alton still gets a thrill out of putting on her Washington Pam Pack cheerleading uniform.
Sara Tate, a senior co-captain, said she feels a sense of pride in putting on the uniform.
Another senior, Lauren Patrick, said it is an honor to wear the blue and white.
EARNING HARDWARE
The team has a reason to be proud to wear the uniform, especially after how it has performed at competitions this season.
The Pam Pack has placed first at the Carolina Spirit Incorporated Cheer and Dance Open, first in the East Coast Cheer Challenge, second in a competition at East Carolina University and fifth in the North Carolina Cheer Coach's Association State Championship.
Cutler, who has been coaching cheerleading for 16 years, including four-and-a-half years at Washington, said she is proud of her squad.
SENIOR LEADERSHIP
Cutler, who said the team practices six to 10 hours per week, praised her seniors for being strong leaders. Those seniors include Barnes, Tate, Alton, Patrick, Woolard, Maegan Doss and Lauren Allen.
Elizabeth Tanner, a sophomore, said she and the rest of the underclassmen look up to the seniors.
IT TAKES HARD WORK
Earning trophies while having fun has made this cheerleading season even more rewarding.
While it may be fun, the squad members say plenty of hard work goes into each routine.
Sophomore Chelsea Baynor said doing the stunts and preparing for routines can be tough.
Cutler said there’s plenty that goes into each routine. Though they may only last 2.3 minutes, including 1.3 minutes of music, the girls are constantly on the go.
The cheerleaders are judged on their overall performance.
TEAM CHEMISTRY
So far, so good for the Pam Pack this year.
Patrick said the team’s attitude has helped them achieve some lofty goals.
Alton credits some extra time spent at CSI in Greenville with part of the team’s success.
Having each member of the team on the same page also helps.
Baynor said team unity, and a great coach, go a long way as well.
Tanner feels a competitive spirit whenever she puts on her Pam Pack uniform.
The team, which is also comprised of juniors Brittany Bryant, Brittany Maxwell, Kayla Spain, Hillary Stringer, Kayce Wilkerson, Ebony Young, sophomores Sierra Jefferson, freshmen Lexi Peed and Whitney Younce, will compete in the Coastal Conference Tournament on Saturday.
HEADING TO NATIONALS
Washington will attend the Eastern Cheer Association Nationals at Williamsburg, Va., in March.
The team members, especially the seniors, plan to enjoy each and every moment as the season comes to a close.
Patrick said she couldn’t agree more.