Marshwood cheerleaders raise spirits and funds at the 2022 Maine Shrine Lobster Bowl

Just as football players had to go through a rigorous selection process to make the roster of either Team East or West at the 2022 Maine Shrine Lobster Bowl, so too did the cheerleaders who performed at the major fundraising event.

"Athletes across the state are nominated by their coaches, they had to have participated (in cheerleading) in the fall of their senior year," said Marshwood cheering coach Brooke Frank, who also served as Team West's head coach. "Overall, speaking for myself, you look for a well-rounded athlete who you want to represent your school, and someone who is going to be committed to the fundraising process."

Marshwood saw three cheerleaders perform routines for Team West during the Lobster Bowl - Mackenzie Davis, Izzy Varney and Lydia Bowen.

Frank said that selected athletes were contacted and asked by the director of cheerleaders for the Lobster Bowl if they would like to participate, as well as willing to commit to raising at least $500 and to attend training camp Tuesday through Saturday leading up to the game.

The game was held in Lewiston, Maine on July 16.

"It's definitely a big commitment on their part," Frank said.

Cheerleader Mackenzie Davis said she found out towards the end of winter/beginning of spring that she had been selected.

"I was definitely super excited," Davis said. "I've heard a couple of Marshwood cheerleaders in the past who have gone to it, and they've always said it's a real nice experience. It's eye-opening to understand what (Shriner's patients) go through and be able to help them out; and then enjoy the game one more time."

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The funds raised by the athletes all go to help patients at Shriners Hospital for Children in Springfield, Massachusetts.

This year, both teams combined to raise $150,000 for the Shriners Hospital - which was a major part of the day for Davis.

"Definitely being able to see what all the money I raised would do to help all the children," Davis said.

According to its website, Shriner's "provides compassionate, innovative treatment to children with orthopedic, urological and cleft lip and palate conditions and other complex medical needs. Our personalized approach allows children to rise to their full potential."

Frank said it was nice to have three cheerleaders from Marshwood representing the program, and was honored to be able to be the head coach.

"It was awesome," Frank said. "I had put out there when I nominated the athletes that I would be interested in helping coach as well, and then when they asked me to be the head coach, and I knew I had three cheerleaders participating, it was a no-brainer. I wanted to be there with them, and be able to experience it with them."

Davis enjoyed being able to share the field with Varney and Bowen.

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"It was definitely a good look for the Marshwood cheerleading program," Davis said. "In the past, we've had one or two girls go every couple of years, so for three girls to go at the same time was definitely pretty impressive for my grade especially."

The cheerleaders put together a two-and-a-half minute routine that they had to perform twice.

"They were just a great group of athletes who came together and were willing to be flexible in their positions," Frank said. "They also put together sideline cheers and stunts. What I really liked is that they all brought their own touches from their school, and they were able to teach things that they learned throughout their teaching career and teach it to everybody across the state, which was awesome."

This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Maine Lobster Bowl's Marshwood cheerleaders raise spirits and funds