Both sports have practiced in the same small, dank space in the annex of the South Gym for years (wrestling recently moved to a small portable classroom they can call their own). Both sports have built strong programs that rely on a small community of friends and family for support. Wrestling meets and cheer competitions are mostly off-campus, and results are not easily found.
This season, wrestling was led by four-year varsity grappler Mihn Bernier, and cheer had a pair of four-year varsity letter-winners in Lorelei Kahle and Violet Watts. These standouts would travel south on I-5 two weekends ago to represent Davis High on the biggest stages.
Team captain Bernier is a two-time state qualifier and was in Bakersfield at the Dignity Health Arena, where he was the Blue Devils' lone representative at the CIF State Wrestling Championships. I caught up with him and got his thoughts on the experience.
MT: What was the atmosphere like in the arena?
MB: The event was great, and the arena has an unbelievable energy. It’s loud and packed. It was a very memorable experience, with an atmosphere unlike any other arena.
MT: What was the competition like?
MB: The competition was impressive. There are some of the best kids in the nation there. I have met many competitors over the years and have built friendships with many of them.
Bernier excels in the classroom as well and plans on studying mechanical engineering in college.
Kahle and Watts have had amazing four-year careers on the Davis High Competitive Cheer Team. In Vegas two weeks ago, they capped off an emotional trip with another JAMZ National Title, their fourth in a row. This season, I was lucky enough to see them practice and compete in person. They put in countless hours into what is often an overlooked sport. I can attest that the sweat, bruises, heart, and athletic ability can match any sport.
Kahle was kind enough to share her thoughts on the trip to Las Vegas and her last competition as a Blue Devil.
MT: What were the moments that stood out in Las Vegas?
LK: There were so many great moments. My favorite was ending the routine on day two. We were already three and a half points ahead in the standings from day one, so we knew we just needed no deductions to win. At the end of the routine, I knew we had done better than day one and would probably take home the win. I also enjoyed the team bonding in Vegas this year. Before bed, all of varsity gathered in my room with Coach Tam to discuss where we were and what could be better for the next day. This was pretty emotional for me because it was the last team chat I would ever have with these people.
MT: What were your emotions knowing this was your last competition as a Blue Devil?
LK: This last time in Vegas was really hard. I’ve been around this program since I was 11 years old. My older sister was on the team before me. Coach Tam and Julia have become second mothers to me. I love my teammates like family. Taking the floor for the last time on Saturday was particularly challenging. I cried during warmups before we went on and then sobbed the second the music ended. Cheerleading has been such a big part of my life because it’s almost a year-round sport that I’ve been doing for what feels like forever. Cheerleading is genuinely the most fun, and that’s why it’s the toughest thing to leave.
It is extremely rare that athletes compete on varsity squads all four years. Bernier, Kahle and Watts not only accomplished that feat, t... Click here to read full article
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