The McIntosh Varsity Cheerleaders are back on top having captured the 1999 State Cheering Championship. The last time McIntosh won the State Crown was 1995. In the years preceding this championship, the team placed either second or third. McIntosh's goal for this year was to win the State Championship and when they came in second place in the regional competition, things looked a little bleak.

"Placing second at Region was just what this team needed to get their heads and hearts in the right place," said Coach Dana Camp. "We knew our level of performance had to increase. We had the routine and the skill level but not the heart. How do you coach heart?"

Coach Camp gave each member of the team a red heart with one of her favorite quotes on it: "Be prepared! Sometimes you only have one chance (2:30) to make a good impression."

"We don't have time outs, or free throws, or first downs," Coach Camp said. "Cheerleaders have to give it their all in two and a half minutes and leave it on the floor for the judges to decide. We gave an amazing performance and the judges decided we were the best."

The cheering program for McIntosh looks to continue their success and domination of the state. The success does not come without hard work and determination and those don't come without a good coach. Coach Dana Camp knows how to get her team motivated to give it their all. "This is the greatest group of young people," said Camp. "Everytime I look at them I see Heart ."

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