Storm Elite All-Star Twisters Bring Home a National Cheer Title
By Lisa Pett
Stevens Point has one more championship athletic team to add to its repertoire.
The Storm Elite All-Stars Twisters won a Level 1 Youth National Title after their performance at The One Cheer and Dance Finals on May 2-3 in Chicago. The winners were announced on May 16.
The Twisters, a cheer squad comprised of 19 young athletes age 7-11, were awarded their championship rings in a ceremony with Mayor Mike Wiza on Tuesday evening.
“This is definitely a big deal,” said Branka Duda, Storm Elite All-Stars coach and director. “When the winners were announced, I was impressed with [our] athletes. They were so humble and so appreciative.”
The One Finals is an exclusive competition among cheer and dance organizations, and is only open to 200 out of 1000 bids from teams placing first in a qualifying competition.
Regional competitions were held in Virginia Beach, VA, New Orleans and Chicago. Winners from three Regional Finals in The One were judged on two final performances to determine the overall winner in each category.
The Twisters won their qualifying event back in February in the Champion Spirit Group Badger Challenge in West Allis, WI.