Central Oregonian

Sparkles win at Dallas

Dance team sets new scoring record of 84.33 points in win

PHOTO COURTESY OF RAY FAHLGREN

The Crook County High School Sparkles dance team pose with the trophy that they won for taking first place at their last dance competition in Dallas on Saturday. The Sparkles scored 84.33 points in the competition to set a new school scoring record.

Lon Austin

The Crook County High School Sparkles dance team is having a record-breaking season.

After winning the state championship a year ago, the team looks even stronger this season.

"I am so proud of our team for working so hard this year," said head coach Amanda Estes. "I am blessed to be working with such amazing athletes."

Saturday, at Dallas, the team won their third-consecutive competition, setting a new school-scoring record in the process.

"It was a rough day," Estes said. "There were technical problems with the DJ, and the girls were a bit shaken during their second round performance, but they pushed through and had a great performance despite the problems."

The Sparkles scored 84.33 points, easily outdistancing second-place Marshfield, who finished with 78 points. Lebanon finished third after scoring 74 points.

"I am so thankful to my coaching staff for their constant support," Estes said. "And to the parents for all of the work they have done fundraising, and just the love and support they give all of us."

Crook County does not compete again until the state championships March 17-20 at Memorial Coliseum in Portland.

The Sparkles score is the highest score in the state in the last two seasons — regardless of division — and leaves them as the team to beat going into the state championships. Crook County is tentatively scheduled to perform their first-round performance in a session that begins at 4:30 p.m. on Friday, March 19.