Matanzas and Flagler Palm Coast high schools represented the area well at the East Coach Championships Dec. 12, in Daytona Beach, each finishing first in their divisions. The competition is in the middle of the cheer season, after football and followed next by regional competitions.
Honoring Russell
The day was particularly meaningful, after the death of FPC Principal James “Tom” Russell.
“As we were backstage getting ready to hit the competitive floor, our team took it upon themselves to circle everyone up and say a prayer in memory of Mr. Russell,” coach Wendy Wright wrote in an email to the Palm Coast Observer. “I reminded the cheerleaders that every time he saw them he would always make it a point to come to me and tell me how good they looked and how talented they are. We knew this competition was going to be a Bulldog win for Mr. Russell because we would have it no other way. Our Bulldogs took the floor and left a perfect routine with zero deductions.