Page 44 - Spring Summer 2023

Shires, Vikings Form Friendly Bond Over

Cheering Competitions

By Joe Cyr ‘89
Special to The County

Editor’s Note: What a wonderful article showcasing the ability for rival schools and teams to overcome what is many times an
antagonistic relationship in today’s world and showing that bonds can still be achieved resulting in great friendships and financial
benefits to the schools. Thank you Shire & Vikings ladies.

AUGUSTA, Maine — Houlton and Caribou may be “We now have a yearly tradition of riding together as
rivals in most sporting events, but when it comes to the only two teams from the County in Class C, it only
cheering, the Shires and Vikings have formed a kinship makes sense,” Cyr said. “Coach Small is literally me, but
like no other. in a black and white uniform!”
The two teams shared a bus to the regional cheering At Saturday’s state competition, Houlton finished
competition Monday, Feb. 6, in Ellsworth as a way to seventh out of 18 squads with a score of 58.7, while
save on expenses. The Caribou placed 17th with a
two squads found the score of 28.
experience so enjoyable “It can be intimidating
that they did it again competing against 18
Saturday en route to the other squads, so it’s really
state Class C competition nice to have someone
at the Augusta Civic Center. close to home rooting you
“This season has been on,” Small said. “It takes a
so much fun,” Houlton lot of time, failed attempts,
coach Maggie Small and dedication to get some
said. “We (Houlton and of the skills they hit on
Caribou) ended up riding The Houlton and Caribou varsity cheering squads gather for a group photo Saturday.”
prior to competing Feb. 11 at the Augusta Civic Center for the State Class C
to Regionals together, event. (Courtesy of Maggie Small) The two squads performed
which really helped our at opposite ends of the
bus drivers out. We may be in the same class, but at competition and could be seen shouting words of
the end of the day, we all want to see teams from the encouragement when the other squad performed.
County be successful.”
Houlton’s squad improved their performance at every
Caribou coach Krista Cyr added, “Honestly I can’t even competition this season, increasing their score each
remember how it started. A Facebook page and we’ve time, Small said.
never stopped talking since.”
“We are very proud of the routine they put on the
Because the regional competition was rescheduled floor,” she said. “They gave it everything they had and
due to inclement weather, finding buses and drivers that’s all we can ask for. We are ready to work hard on
proved tricky for the two school districts. That was until the off season and come back even stronger next year.”
the two coaches agreed to share the ride together.

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