[*Central_Cheer_Chick]

I'm glad Powell got a bid. They looked good at region, and BOTH Powell and Estill will represent their region well.

This is all the more reason why I think the state competition should be run like nationals. Either it should be open, or squads should send in video bids. They could select the top 20 or 25 teams to compete on one day, and have the finals with about 10 squads on the next day. That way, you definitely get the best from throughout the state. How many times have we gone to state and seen a team that couldn't even beat an elementary school but made it to state because they were the only ones in their division at region? Honestly, it is painful to watch sometimes because you just feel bad for them. It's great they got to go to state and see what else is out there, but sometimes those teams are not the caliber that should compete at state. If they did state this way, good teams from very competitive regions could get to go (which they would not have gotten to do unless they won) and probably make the final round. I'm sure there are alot of good squads from the Lexington and Louisville area that don't make it because they always compete against a powerhouse. I know that the 15th region is very competitive and many of their teams could make it if state was structured this way.

There could still be a regional competition, and the scores from there could be factored in to the selection of squads, just how they are doing with the video bids.

That sounds like a great idea!!!