Castle View’s co-ed cheer title felt like a win for everyone
DENVER — The Class 4A/5A co-ed state champion award was just seconds away from being announced and the Denver Coliseum became completely silent.
The Castle View Sabercats were named 4A/5A coed state champions for the second year in a row. Their routine was executed to the max with proper form and technique.
When the big announcement was made, not only did the team itself get up and cheer, but other teams, coaches, and fans throughout the Coliseum celebrated their huge accomplishment, as well.
Usually a respectful applaud is the norm for situations like this, but there was an unbelievable amount of excitement during this time. Several coaches from other schools both in and out of this division stood in a line waiting to congratulate coach Heather Acampora.
Acampora makes a conscious effort to support all other teams even if they are considered competition with her team. She is not just about big schools, she is about all of them.
“In her division, out of her division, because she loves the sport,” said Nikita Breslin, coach of St. Mary’s and Vista Ridge. “We had a joint practice this morning, on her practice time, it was awesome.”
Acampora and other CHSAA coaches truly value the fact that the Castle View cheer program genuinely cares for other schools. This morning’s practice hosted at Castle View consisted of multiple teams that competed in today’s state championship.
This year’s fairly new team — with less than half of them returning for last, along with six freshmen — preparation for state was not a smooth road. They dealt with a handful of unusual injuries that were a true setback. But Saturday, they came together as one and proved themselves on the mat.
Until this year, Acampora has always had the mentality to beat other teams but she has come to the realization that she just wants what’s best for her team and for her team to be safe. Her positive attitude and change of thought turned out to be one of the best decisions she has ever made, both for her, and her team.
After 19 years of coaching, 10 at Castle View, Acampora brought in the first team victory throughout Castle View’s athletic program, and now the first back-to-back team victory in the history of the school.
The Sabercats performed a phenomenal routine with no drops, no bobbles, and no touch downs. Every skill performed was solid, clean and had Acampora so excited that she had to kick off her heels mid-routine to contain herself.
It was a great night to be a Sabercat.
Champions
Find complete results from finals and prelims here.
- Cheyenne Wells won 2A Cheer
- University won 3A Cheer
- St. Mary’s won 2A/3A Co-ed Cheer
- Vail Christian won 2A Pom
- Bennett won 3A Pom
- Ponderosa won 4A Pom
- Cherry Creek won 5A Cheer
- Palmer Ridge won 4A Cheer
- Eaglecrest won 5A Cheer
- Mountain Vista won in Jazz
- Monarch won State in Hip-hop
- Castle View won 4A/5A Co-ed
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