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Chiefs cheer their way to a state championship

The McIntosh Varsity Cheerleaders are back on top

having captured the 1999 State Cheering Championship. The last

time McIntosh won the State Crown was 1995. In the years

preceding this championship, the team placed either second or

third. McIntosh's goal for this year was to win the State

Championship and when they came in second place in the regional

competition, things looked a little bleak.

"Placing second at Region was just what this team needed to

get their heads and hearts in the right place," said Coach Dana

Camp. "We knew our level of performance had to increase. We

had the routine and the skill level but not the heart. How do you

coach heart?"

Coach Camp gave each member of the team a red heart

with one of her favorite quotes on it: "Be prepared! Sometimes

you only have one chance (2:30) to make a good impression."

"We don't have time outs, or free throws, or first downs,"

Coach Camp said. "Cheerleaders have to give it their all in two and a

half minutes and leave it on the floor for the judges to decide. We

gave an amazing performance and the judges decided we were the best."

The cheering program for McIntosh looks to continue their

success and domination of the state. The success does not come

without hard work and determination and those don't come without

a good coach. Coach Dana Camp knows how to get her team

motivated to give it their all. "This is the greatest group of

young people," said Camp. "Everytime I look at them I see Heart ."

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