The Estevan Comprehensive School (ECS) cheerleading team capped off a strong season with a championship-winning performance, earning first place in the Senior High Scholastic Intermediate Division at the Saskatchewan Cheerleading Association’s Provincial Championships.
Led by longtime coach Bonnie Chepil-Kvamme, the team delivered a near-perfect routine, earning zero deductions from the judges. Their precise execution and high energy helped them stand out in a competitive field, securing the top spot.
Despite being a small team—just 10 athletes, half of whom were new to cheerleading this season—ECS demonstrated remarkable growth and determination throughout the year.
“We had a strong, clean routine, and it showed in the results,” Chepil-Kvamme said. “The athletes worked so hard to get here, and it’s exciting to see their efforts pay off.”
Building momentum throughout the season
The team began training in August, focusing on fundamentals before progressing to more advanced stunts and choreography. Many of the athletes had little to no prior cheerleading experience, but months of practice and dedication transformed them into a synchronized, high-performing team.
ECS tested their skills at multiple competitions leading up to Provincials. Early in the season, they attended Warm-ups in Regina, where they gained experience performing in front of judges and made adjustments based on feedback. They later competed at the PCA competition in Regina, further refining their routine. Each event helped the team identify areas for improvement and fine-tune their execution.
“People don’t always realize how much strength, flexibility, and coordination it takes to be a cheerleader,” Chepil-Kvamme said. “It’s a lot of work, but these kids love it. And they’re incredibly supportive of each other.”
By the time they reached Provincials, the team was ready to deliver their best performance yet.
“They left it all on the mat,” Chepil-Kvamme said. “Every stunt, every jump, every motion was right on point. It was so rewarding to see them hit their routine perfectly when it mattered most.”
More than just a trophy
Winning a provincial title is a significant achievement, but for Chepil-Kvamme and her team, the experience was about more than just the trophy.
“The best part is seeing how much they’ve grown, not just as cheerleaders but as teammates and individuals,” she said. “They’ve built strong friendships, learned to trust each other, and gained confidence in themselves.”
With most of the athletes returning next season, ECS is already looking forward to the next challenge.
“I always say, never underestimate a team,” Chepil-Kvamme said. “We set our goals, and we achieved them. Now, we’ll set new ones.”
For the ECS cheerleading team, this season’s success is not just a celebration—it’s a stepping stone to an even brighter future.