Cheerleading dynasties dominated the 2025 Colorado High School Spirit State Championships, leaving audiences breathless and competitors in awe. But here's where it gets controversial: is it the skill, the strategy, or sheer determination that keeps these teams on top? The Denver Coliseum witnessed a thrilling display of athleticism and teamwork as the Co-Ed Cheer competitions unfolded, with DSST: Cedar, Coal Ridge, and Castle View securing their titles once again. Yet, this isn’t just a story of victory—it’s a tale of resilience, growth, and the relentless pursuit of excellence.
In the 2A/3A division, DSST: Cedar’s Falcons soared to their second consecutive state championship, a feat made even more impressive by their journey. Coach Sam Barton highlighted the team’s newfound confidence and focus on trust, both in themselves and their teammates. “We worked on harder skills and really focusing on trusting ourselves,” Barton explained. Despite a challenging week marked by illness and injuries, the Falcons scored 71.5, edging out Wiley (68.2) and Alamosa (66.1). This victory is particularly sweet for DSST: Cedar, as these two titles are their only state championships, with runner-up finishes in 2022 and 2023. “They’ve still got a lot to learn,” Barton added, hinting at a bright future for this young team.
And this is the part most people miss: Coal Ridge’s 4A victory wasn’t just about winning—it was about maintaining an eight-year streak. Coach Alyssa Thurman acknowledged the pressure but credited their success to meticulous preparation. “We just make sure that we prepare them really well so that they feel comfortable,” she said. With a final score of 82.10, Coal Ridge outperformed Roosevelt (77.35), delivering a flawless, zero-deduction routine. Thurman praised the team’s chemistry, especially given that 14 of the 20 members were new this year. “They just worked really hard and they did it,” she proudly stated.
In the 5A division, Castle View cemented their legacy with a third straight title and their ninth in the last 12 years. Head coach Tatum Reel reflected on the difficulty of staying at the top, noting, “People say it’s hard to get to the top, but it’s really hard to stay at the top.” The team’s 88.25 score narrowly defeated Highlands Ranch (86.10) and Pueblo West (85.80). Reel praised her team’s resilience through a season of ups and downs, calling this victory “the cherry on top.”
But here’s a thought-provoking question for you: With dynasties like these dominating year after year, is it time for other schools to rethink their strategies, or is there simply no stopping these powerhouse programs? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
The championships conclude tomorrow with dance performances in jazz, poms, and hip-hop, starting at 9 a.m. and culminating in finals at 3:12 p.m. Will we see new dynasties emerge, or will familiar faces continue to reign? Stay tuned to find out!
