Winter sports have begun at Ames High. The season started at winter kick-off where Ames High Athletics recognized the football, cross country, swimming, and state cheerleading, for their great seasons.

Friday, December 6th the drill team competed in their state competition. The Drill Teams’ Jazz and Pom routines got fifth place, All-Male received third, the showcase routine achieved second, and their hoop routine won.

“The moment they called first place and said it was Ames, our entire team jumped up screaming, hugging, tears of joy in our eyes,” said junior Nadia Huffman. “It was probably the most amazing feeling ever. Becoming a state champ.”

The drill team hasn’t held any titles since 2001 and this year was one of excitement. “Right before you go on the nerves definitely do build up, but once we’re out there doing what we’re most passionate about, dancing, you forgot about all of the people watching and just give it all you got,” said Huffman.

It was a long and stressful day for the team, but was well worth it, as Ames High will be seeing the smiley new faces of the Hoop Dancers on the Wall.

“Before each performance, we had a group huddle and pep talk,” said Huffman. “It was then that I realized that this was our seniors last chance to win at state and so I went out during hoop (one of our last dances) and truly gave it all I got for our seniors. There is a strong bond between the girls on the team, and it is showed in the trophies that they brought home with them.

Ames high will continue to see and admire the winning dancers as they will be performing at home basketball game’s halftimes.  Other teams that have been doing well would be the girls basketball team.

Girls’ basketball has had their first wins and are off to a speedy start. November 30th the girls defeated the Des Moines Roosevelt Riders 89-36. Friday December 6th, there was not only a girls basketball game, but the boys had a basketball game. The varsity girls had another win, beating West Des Moines Lincoln, 87-24.

The boys varsity made a good start, then the Rails caught up, and both teams proceeded to go back and forth, finally going into overtime. The final score was 67-65, the Rails barely taking a win from the Little Cyclones. The boys also played on Saturday, December 7th, and lost to Iowa City West, 90-67.  People rallied and will continue to need to bring the heat throughout the entire season of basketball, in the middle of the harsh and bitter cold.

On a side note, the Web Staff would like to congratulate  Mr. Fecht on his new child!