CLARIFICATION — There were over 40 performances between the high school and middle school teams competing at the Battle in the Desert. The Frontier Middle School Spartans cheer team took first after competing in the middle school category.

MOSES LAKE — The Frontier Middle School Spartans cheer team took first at the Battle in the Desert competition in Hanford on Saturday. Spartans head coach Kelsy Kelley said it was a long day of competition, but it was a good experience for the team as they head into the final weeks of the season. 

“It was the first time ever competing on a stage in front of a lot of people,” said Kelley. “I think a lot of them were nervous, but we’ve been working on this for months now, and it’s just getting through those nerves. I think overall they did an amazing job.” 

The Battle in the Desert consisted of multiple cheer teams in the middle and high school levels, making for a total of 40 performances with each team competing against similar age groups. The coach said it was highly competitive at the middle school level, but the Spartans managed to win over the judges.

The Spartans also had the opportunity to watch the Moses Lake High School cheer team compete and earn first at the high school level, which Kelley said is something inspiring to both her and the team as they move forward this season. 

“I have a lot of eighth graders this year, and I would say a fair few are interested in continuing in the sport in high school. That just makes me proud,” she said. “I went to our high school, and I was on the cheer team, so I love that they want to continue this.” 

One of the key aspects of cheer that the coach said the team works on year-round is building their confidence. Each of the long hours they put into practice to get ready for a 2.5-minute performance can be very nerve-wracking, especially when preparing to perform on stage in front of a crowd, she said. She wants her cheer squad to have the confidence to know that their hard work is paying off. 

“Technique and skills are obviously important as well, but if they believe they can do it, I think that’s half the battle right there,” said Kelley. “I tell the girls all the time, ‘If you believe in yourself at least half of what I do, then it’s going to be golden.’” 

Alongside this, she said, having fun during both practices and in competition is what is most important to her to instill in the team as a coach. This is also something that is reflected in her time as a coach. 

“This is one of the most fun things that I do. It’s essentially a hobby,” said Kelley. “It’s a lot sometimes to be a coach, and nights like what happened on Saturday at our competition in Hanford just make it all worth it. Seeing their expressions and how they feel about themselves after they compete, that was amazing.” 

There are about two weeks for the girls to get prepared for their next competition in the Battle of the Lake, said the coach. During this time, the team is focused on reviewing their performances and cleaning up a little bit from what was seen at the competition. 

Watching both their own performances along with the performances of the other teams is something she said is important for the Spartans to reflect on as they get ready for their next meet. During this time, she wants the team focused on everything down to the facial expressions and sharpness of motion and having the team reflect on what they believe they can do better. 

The Battle of the Lake on Jan. 24 will mark the end of the cheer season for Frontier, so Kelley said these next two weeks aren’t just about improving but enjoying the moments they have together. 

“We’re together so much it feels very much like a family,” she said. “We’re very close and I wouldn’t change it; I really love what I do.” 

FMS CHEER ROSTER:  

Abcde Redford 

Amelia Emerson 

Aria De La Rosa Flores 

Aryanna Archer 

Becca Terry 

Clara Skaug 

Emma Hintz 

Fatima Jimenez Barajas 

Genesis Castrellon 

Gracie Anderson 

Harley Wiester 

Jada Villegas 

Jayme Vokacek 

Kaylee Arredondo 

Kaylee Duong 

Kenadee Pryor 

Khloe Rojas 

Lauren Johnson 

Lily Reyling 

Lucy Bauer 

Makayla Santana 

Natalee Olivera 

Natalie Cruz 

Natalie Romero 

Nevaeh Larson 

Nicole Mondragon 

Raylie Anderson 

Sydney Sherwood 

Xailia Gomez 

    The Spartans cheer team holds up signs during one of their performances at the Battle in the Desert. Head Coach Kelsy Kelley said the team puts in long hours into their routines,, but it is all worth it to help build up companionship and confidence in the squad.
  

    The FMS cheer squad lines up for another part of their cheer routine during the competition in Hanford over the weekend. The Spartans have one final competition at Moses Lake High School before the end of their season.