Vanier Hall has won its first Welcome Week cheer-off in four years.
After two consecutive wins back in 2005 and 2006, the all-girls’ residence lost the cheer-off three years in a row.
On Sept. 3, hundreds of first-year on- and off-campus students gathered in the lower courtyard to compete for the title of cheer-off champion.
The cheer-off is an annual Welcome Week event that pits the campus residences and the off-campus students against each other in a friendly competition. Teams take turn showing their spirit with pre-planned cheers. At the end of each round a team of judges eliminated a few of the teams until only two teams remain.
This year Vanier came prepared with 40 first-years, a new cheer and tons of spirit.
During cheer-off practice, Vanier’s house president Lacey Russell reminded the new girls that they should be happy with or without a win.
“I’m very proud of all the first-years,” she said. “They went downstairs and practised when we gave them a break. They have lots of spirit in them.”
The cheer-off came with high emotion.
“We took our heart, ripped it out, threw it on the courtyard,” said Judith Crawford, former house president. “We had our heart and soul behind it.”
After making it through every round of competition, Vanier faced Rigby Hall in the final round.
The Vanier girls held onto each other’s hands as they awaited the judges’ verdict. When they were announced the winners sea of pink t-shirts erupted in excitement.
“I feel this win for Vanier will bring the girls even closer because winning the cheer-off gives a huge sense of house pride to its residents,” said former Vanier residence coordinator Lisa Rogers. “I am very proud to be Vanier alumni and shared in their happiness.”
Residents of Vanier described the win as exhilarating, proud, thrilling, overwhelming, out of control and wonderful.
But Crawford’s emotions went beyond excitement.
“Just the immense amount of pride that I felt,” she said. “It showed that we are actually gaining respect. It is not just in Vanier. There is respect throughout all five residences.”
Vanier’s current residence coordinator Amanda Greer saw the cheer-off win as a great start to the year.
“I’m so proud of the girls,” she said. “They learned those cheers so fast.
