Game Day: Arrupe Jesuit, Cherokee Trail, Ralston Valley Win State Titles

DENVER – For the first time in history, the Colorado High School Activities Association crowned a spirit state champion in the game day dance discipline.

On Thursday night, that inaugural state championship trophy left the Denver Coliseum in the hands of the Ralston Valley Mustangs.

“To be the inaugural champions is really, really special,” Ralston Valley head coach Katee Mink said. “What we love so much about game day is that we get to showcase the two things that we love to do, which is school spirit and supporting our school and also competitive dance. Putting those two together in a three-minute routine and showcasing these talented dancers is really special.”

As it often has to happen for a team to take home a state title, Mink said the Mustangs’ 92.45-point routine on Thursday was their best of the season.

“Our goal has been to get better with every performance and they did that today,” Mink said.

Thursday’s spirit title was Ralston Valley’s since 2006. Erie was runner-up with a score of 91.8 points.

2A/3A GAME DAY CHEER
Also on Thursday night, the 2A/3A state championship was claimed by the Arrupe Jesuit with a score of 92.45 points. A year after claiming the school’s first state title in any sport or activity and in the school’s first season with a spirit program, Arrupe Jesuit is now back-to-back champions in game day cheer.

“We are so thankful to be bringing home that beautiful gold state championship trophy again this year,” Arrupe Jesuit coach Mandi Lopez said. “This year has been such a blessing. These athletes are so hardworking, they’re dedicated and they love cheer. We could not be more honored to get another year of being state champions.

“Our routine, we really stepped up another level. Last year, the whole team had no cheer experience so we were on a very basic level. This year, we added some new skills, some more complicated skills, some different formation changes, and our hard work paid off.”

4A/5A GAME DAY CHEER
In 4A/5A game day cheer, Cherokee Trail also won a state title for a second year in a row, but took home a gold trophy in game day cheer with a score of 94.15 points. Last year, the Cougars came away with the 5A All-Girl Cheer title. 

“I’m overwhelmed with joy,” Cherokee Trail head coach Kelsey Goodson said. “I knew we made a big jump going from the traditional route to game day. I also knew we would be taking a risk in trying to compete against the very, very best; we just wanted to put our best on the floor. I’m elated and proud that our best is the best.”

Thursday’s title was Cherokee Trail’s fifth spirit title. Valor Christian finished runner-up with a score of 93.7 points.