(Bethany Brookens/CHSAANow.com)
AURORA — The state spirit championships will run all finals for all classifications on the Saturday of the event beginning next season.
CHSAA assistant commissioner Jenn Roberts-Uhlig brought the idea of a “Finals Showcase” to the sport’s committee on Tuesday in order to better showcase all athletes from across the state at one time. The committee and audience members were unanimously in favor of the change.
In the past, the preliminary rounds and finals have been scattered throughout Friday and Saturday. It made for a somewhat staggered event, with championship trophy ceremonies breaking up competition.
“We want to continue to develop on the overall experience for our students, and a way to showcase our athletes from all over the state at one time — just as we do for other sports,” said Roberts-Uhlig, who administers spirit.
It brings spirit in line with wrestling, or volleyball, which both schedule finals for all classifications concurrently.
With the change, Friday will be strictly for preliminary competition. Some of the prelims will need to finish Saturday morning, and then the arena will be cleared to make preparations for finals. In the evening, teams and fans will reenter and the “Finals Showcase” will take place.
“It should make for an awesome experience for all schools and communities,” Roberts-Uhlig said.
At the end of the night, all championship trophies will handed out.
The state spirit competition will remain at the Denver Coliseum for the foreseeable future. Next year’s championships will be the 25th anniversary of the event.
Spirit awards 12 trophies in cheer, pom, co-ed cheer, hip-hop and jazz across four classifications.