Energetic Edge celebrates Cold Snap Championship win

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — A Fort St. John cheerleading squad blew away its competition in capturing a cheerleading title in Edmonton.

Members of Energetic Edge Cheerleading Association’s (EECA) junior squad captured the title at the Cold Snap Dance and Cheer Championships with a score of 102.85.

They edged out second place Grande Praririe’s Gymnik All-Star Intelligence squad, who finished with a score of 101.15.  

It was the first competition of the season for these athletes, who are between 10 to 16 years old. 

Slated in the U-16 All-Star Level 1 ‘B’ division, the team named Empower faced stiff competition from all over Alberta.

The team was the only squad from British Columbia to make the trip to Edmonton and has been preparing for the event since last summer, according to head coach Brandie Wheatley.

She adds some former athletes helped put together the program, which elevated them to victory. Sisters Claire and Kendyl Livingston assisted in choreography.

“We had them work alongside me through the summer,” said Wheatley. “You get the music you want to have for the season, and then you build around that.

“In August, we’ll hold a skills camp and build a mini-routine. If kids want to join the competitive squad, we’ll already have an outline and see where they fit in the routine.” 

Athletes will then go over two four-hour choreography camps, each of which last four hours on a weekend, says Wheatley.

Coaches Desirae Bedell and Tara Snow added additional support in preparing the team, who Wheatley said “worked hard to bring this creative routine to life”.

“It is intense because athletes need to know stunt formation, mat placement and execution of jumps judges are looking for,” said Wheatley.

With the victory under their belt, Empower is looking forward to the B.C. Sport Cheer Provincial Championships taking place in Abbotsford this March.

The Cold Snap Classic Cheer and Dance Championships took place from January 17th to 19th at the Expo Centre in Edmonton, Alberta.

For more information about EECA, visit the team’s website, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok pages.