CHS to host dance, cheer districts

COEUR d'ALENE — Coeur d'Alene High School is hosting the 2019 state-qualifying cheer and dance competition for districts 1 and 2 on Saturday.

A dozen high school cheer teams and six high school dance teams comprising nearly 200 athletes will be participating throughout the day.

Teams from all Idaho High School Activities Association divisions will be represented. Teams from as far north as Bonners Ferry and as far south as Grangeville will be in attendance. Students from grades 9-12 are eligible to participate.

Cheer teams have the opportunity to compete in up to four categories: show, sideline, pom and stunt group. The top 50 percent in each category within each division qualifies for the IHSAA state cheer tournament.

Dance teams can compete in up to four categories: military, dance, kick and hip hop. The top 50 percent in each category within each division qualifies for the IHSAA state dance tournament.

Additionally, overall district champion awards are given in each classification.

The Idaho State Cheer and Dance Tournament takes place at the Idaho Center in Nampa March 15 and 16.

"Cheer and dance are year 'round athletic activities," said CHS cheer coach Lisa Walker. "For the majority of the year, these athletes work to support other athletic teams on the sidelines. This tournament is one of the few things they do all year that is strictly for them to show off their athletic abilities."

Doors open for the cheer portion at 8 a.m., with the tournament starting at 8:30 a.m. The dance tournament begins at 3 p.m. and doors will open at 2:30 p.m.