Dolores might need more space to showcase its autumn hardware.
Between plaques and banners from athletic wins, the Bears have plenty to celebrate – and who better to honor those achievements than the school’s cheerleaders?
The DHS cheerleading squad added to the lore of the Year of the Bear in 2025, taking home the Western Colorado Spirit Regional championship in the 2A all-girls division earlier this fall. With the state championships just two weeks away, Dolores hopes to parlay its recent success into a strong finish on the Denver Coliseum mats.
Under the guidance of head coach Melissa Herrera, the DHS spirit team finished ninth in its division at last year’s state meet and has worked hard to prepare a young, 11-member group for another run at the finals.
“Only five of our 11 competed at the state level, so this year we had to go back to the basics to ensure everyone had the knowledge of stunt safety,” said Herrera of the team’s learning curve, “and we couldn’t be happier with how the new girls caught on and the returnees improved.”
Dolores joins other Southwest Colorado schools for a final practice performance at the Mancos-hosted Cheer Showcase on Dec. 3 to fine-tune its routine.
“One of our main goals is for all of our stunts to hit properly,” added Herrera – a focus during summer and fall training. She noted that attending a summer camp at Colorado Mesa University helped build team chemistry early.
On a team without any seniors, juniors Kaida Barry and Savannah Johnston have emerged as captains. “They’re amazing leaders – and take that role seriously,” said Herrera of her captains, “they’re trustworthy and responsible, and are role models both on the mat and in the classroom.”
With a youthful team still growing into its potential, Herrera shared her excitement about the team’s potential over the next two years. “We believe that we have the best chance that we’ve had yet,” said Herrera of her team’s prospects at the state championships Dec. 11-13, “and have an even higher chance next year considering none of our girls are seniors.”
Fans can catch the Bears, along with Mancos, Montezuma-Cortez and Dove Creek, plus other area teams, at 6 p.m. Dec. 3 at Bluejay Fieldhouse in Mancos to support all teams at the Cheer Showcase before the 2A and 3A state championships.
