This year, they collectively decided to compete in five competitions during the last three months. Their awards were as follows: Plainview-Elgin-Millville, 1st place; Prior Lake, 2nd place; Battle of the Midwest (Rochester), 1st in their division and 2nd overall ; St. Paul (state), 1st place; University of Minnesota, Williams Arena,1st place.
“Each competition got easier and more fun to compete at,” the cheerleaders agreed. “We were nervous before warm-ups, but confident at the end! We didn't know if we were going to hit all our stunts. There is always that feeling of the ‘unknown’ no matter how confident you are in yourself and your teammates.”
They made it look easy, but let that fool you. In order to achieve high success at all five competitions, they gave up many Saturdays to perfect their routine.
“As a team, we have had a rough time with multiple injuries, but those have only pushed us to become better individuals and a better team,” Buendorf said. “The girls know that they need to give it their all and be flexible in any position they may need to fill.”
Buendorf designed a challenging routine for her group of girls. Many of them were new to competitive cheerleading, and quickly learned its different aspects. The demands put on their bodies and minds tested their abilities to the max.
“They were not willing to settle for less then what they knew they could do,” Buendorf said.
Her girls added, “We wanted to prove to ourselves and peers that we are too athletes. It’s about having a good attitude and confidence in ourselves, getting the crowd involved, showing school spirit and representing NRHEG well.”
Sizing up their competition, they realized how much they needed to step it up and push themselves to exceed other teams’ performances. Most important of all, they remembered their motto: stay positive all the time.
They also managed to have tons of fun along the way. At the state competition, they booked a few hotel rooms, where they bonded and had quite a few laughs.
“You learn a lot about your teammates in a different environment, which helped us work better as a team on the competition floor,” the girls agreed.
The girls can’t say enough about Buendorf. She put more than her whole heart into their success, and believed in them, even more than they knew possible.
"It was a great way to end my last year of competitive cheering,” said NRHEG senior Hannah Moe. “I will really miss everyone.”
It goes both ways. Buendorf knows it takes a very determined and hardworking group to compete at this level. There can't be any excuses.
“I have been so fortunate to work with some amazing, talented, and smart young ladies,” Buendorf said. “They are great athletes, excellent students, standouts in our communities, and role models for our youth. I am one very lucky coach to be able to work these girls and have support from their parents.”
She hopes all her cheerleaders will leave as seniors with a sense of learning how to get along with others. The hard work and dedication required for cheering will no doubt translate to real-life situations post-high school.
“One comment I made to the girls before one of our competitions was, ‘I don't want anyone to regret not giving 110 percent when you come off the floor,’” Buendorf said. “‘Believe in yourself and make you and your team proud. You deserve the best and have earned only the best.’”
