Cheerleading, competition and spirit

WEBUTUCK — Webutuck High School held its third annual Kim Kelly Memorial Cheerleading Competition and Exhibition on Saturday, March 3.Teams from Webutuck, Millbrook and Dover all participated in the event, which raised money for the American Heart Association in Kim Kelly’s memory.The teams displayed an array of routines and skills while also teaching and learning from one another.Webutuck Board of Education member Joanne Boyd was in attendance and also assisted in introducing the different events.“This event is just really great. Watching the teams work together and learning from each other is very inspiring. It’s not so much about competition as it’s about celebrating, and I think all the teams are showing amazing spirit,” she said.Becky Knapp, assistant coach of the Webutuck team, was also pleased with the event.“It’s a great event. The teams work really hard and show great athleticism. It’s a lot of fun for everyone to watch,” she said.The teams participated in a number of routines and skills challenges.During the stick-it portion of the competition, teams donated a dollar per person to compete in a range of events.Webutuck won the longest-held full extension with Haley Soderberg, 12, from Wassaic, holding her pose with precision at the top of the formation.The Dover team won the longest-held one leg lift by showing impeccable balance.Millbrook dominated the best cradle-toss, launching a teammate high into the air.Members of the Kelly family were also in attendance, including Kathleen Kelly, a Webutuck gym teacher and Kim Kelly’s sister.Everyone was in great spirits as the athletes dominated the day and got to show off their skills.“The teams don’t always get to show how athletic they really are, this is really their day to shine and show off. It’s an incredible show,” Knapp said.