Adams’ hunger for success earns shot at fourth-straight title

ROCHESTER — What’s become a constant now for Rochester Adams competitive cheer was never the case when Adams coach Brooke Miller took over back in 2014.

Before Adams had its eyes on four straight titles and seven straight Michigan High School Athletic Association State Finals appearances, each season seemed to be one struggle after another.

Now, with three straight state titles and two runner-up finishes in the last five seasons, Adams has solidified itself as the top cheer team in Division 1.

What was behind the transformation? A motivated squad ready to take the next step forward.

“I think a lot of it was the girls and the parents, and the vision that I had when I came in nine years ago,” Miller said. “I think they were hungry for that success but didn’t really have the tools to do it.”

While graduating nine seniors, including six first team all-state selections, Adams’ returning senior core was ready to take on the challenge.

Adams returns a strong, veteran core in seniors Ashley Rosati, Emma Maynard, Alex Ris, Katie Burgin, Peyton Regalado, Sophia Bondra, Ava Bolin and Laurel Kania, who all have contributed since their freshman year.

Before becoming constant contributors for Adams, Bolin, Bondra, Burgin and Ris were able to learn from their older sisters, former Adams competitive cheerleaders Olivia Ris, Ava Bondra, Ashley Bolin and Emily Burgin.

Miller said the older sisters were able to help build Adams’ legacy, and now the next set of sisters have benefited from that experience.

“A lot of it even comes from their sisters, who were even here before they came to the program, so they knew what was expected before they even came in here,” Miller said. “They saw their older sisters get to the state finals and get runner-up, and they were ready to take that next step.”

Seeing their sisters in a mentor role both on and off the floor, Adams’ senior core is looking to make its mark on the next group of Adams competitive cheer. Miller says they’ve done an impressive job helping the younger groups transition into their roles.

“I think they’ve kind of acclimated the younger girls, and some of them are two- or three-time state champions,” Miller said. “I think they really help the younger girls. They take them under their wing anytime they’re feeling stressed or whatever the case may be.”

Rosati, Ris and Burgin, who were second team all-state selections last season, have helped Adams jump out to an impressive start this season.

In four meets this season, Adams has walked away with two finishes in second and third place.

Adams opened its season Dec. 9 at Troy High School in the Competitive Cheer Coaches Association of Michigan Scholarship Invitational, placing second behind Rochester High School.

The three-round cheer competitions consist of jumps and motions in the first round, synchronized movements along with executing certain skills such as tumbling, skill and flexibility in the second round, and visual elements, stunting and a more fun approach in the third round.

Adams would take third in the second annual Yellow Jacket Invite at Auburn Hills Avondale High School Dec. 17 and third in the Oakland Activities Association-Red Jamboree at Rochester High School Jan. 11.

While battling illness and acclimation to the new season, Miller said she’s pleased with the team’s start to the season.

“They’re doing really well. I think a lot of it is just getting back into the groove of everyone being sick,” Miller said. “Overall, I think it’s been really positive.”

Almost back to full strength, Adams took second behind Rochester at the Adams Invitational Jan. 21 at Adams High School.

While Rochester got the better end of Adams in round three, Miller said she expects the third round to play a vital role in Adams’ season.

“I think round three is something we’re really going to strive to take us over the top,” Miller said.

Once Adams returns to full strength, expect the senior-led squad to be a state final threat once more.