Mike Powers | News-Bulletin photos
The host Los Lunas Tigers excelled in several events, including Coed Varsity Game Day.
LOS LUNAS — Los Lunas High School hosted the sixth annual Heart of Gold Cheer and Dance competition on Saturday. More than 1,100 elementary through high school age students took part, with standing-room-only at times for spectators.
Valencia performers stood out in the JV Jazz division.
There were dozens of different age-group categories, including jazz, pom, cheer with music and hip hop.
Belen cheerleaders competed in the Coed Cheer Game Day category.
Jonelle Thompson-Armijo, LLHS cheer team coach and meet director, said Heart of Gold is an NMAA sanctioned event that draws teams from around New Mexico.
“Cheer and dance teams must go to three sanctioned competitions before they can compete at state,” Thompson-Armijo said, adding it took several months to prepare for the competition with the central location a big attraction for programs.
LLHS, Valencia High School and Belen High School were among those participating.
LLHS finished first in Varsity Pom and JV Game Day, as well as second in Varsity Jazz and Varsity Hip Hop.
Bosque Farms Elementary School was first in Elementary Cheer with Music. Los Lunas Mighty Mites captured first in All-Star Mini Cheer with Music and Los Lunas Tiger’s Pee Wee’s were second in All-Star Youth Cheer with Music.
Mike Powers spent more than 40 years as a television news and sports anchor, mostly in the Albuquerque market. He has won numerous awards including New Mexico Sportscaster of the Year. He covers a wide range of sports, including the Valencia County prep scene.
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September 28, 2023
