The GSA Cheering Squad attended PVC’s at Stearns high school in Millinocket on Saturday, January 5. The competition for class C teams was intended to provide a space for the teams to show off and practice their routines, especially for those who have never competed. “We went there to learn, to see the competition and learn what we had to do to make ourselves better as a team,” said co-captain Meredith Torrey. “This is the first time ever that we had absolutely no deductions, so as long as we can keep no deductions and improve as a team, we see ourselves going far.” The squad will next compete in Bangor on January 26. Front row: Morgan Webber, Jenna Gray, Meredith Torrey, Meredith Houghton. Middle row: Taylor Venema, Julie Clements, Chelsea Cox. Back row: Lauren Ran, Lila Anderson, Tessa Clifford, and Chloe Laurent de Rummel.

Junior Philip Shaheen shoots, misses and gets fouled at the end of second period play against Narraguagus on January 5.

Junior Devon Oppedisano, above, shaved 10 seconds off his breast stroke time in one week. “That’s a lot in a hundred yards,” said Coach Jim Goodman.

And having it happen at home makes it all the sweeter. At a January 8 meet against Hermon and MDI at George Stevens Academy, senior Alex Turanski achieved a goal sought by all wrestlers—100 match wins. He won all three of his matches and achieved his personal goal for the season. Coach Jerome Lawther had predicted Turanski’s achievement as the season began, stating “Turanski is guaranteed his 100th win…he may even have the chance to earn that honor at home.” Alex Turanski’s name will now grace the gymnasium wall, one of only three GSA wrestlers who have reached the 100 match milestone. In the photo above, Turanski controls his opponent from MDI on his way to his 100th victory.