AMERICAN FALLS — For nearly two decades, the American Falls High School cheer and dance programs have set the standard for excellence in Southeastern Idaho.

Under the leadership of longtime coaches Hailey Giesbrecht and Erin Kress, both American Falls High School graduates, these teams have achieved unparalleled success at the district and state levels. Their dedication to student-athletes and their commitment to inclusivity have created a culture of achievement that continues to thrive.

Both teams expect to continue their success stories at the state cheer/dance playoffs this weekend in Boise. The American Falls High School cheerleaders will compete for a state title on Friday, while the dance team will have the opportunity to prove it’s the best in Idaho on Saturday.

At the recent district competitions, both teams once again showcased their dominance. The cheerleading team, coached by Giesbrecht, claimed first place overall and in all three categories: sideline, pom and show. This victory marks an incredible 19th consecutive district championship, a streak that underscores the program’s sustained excellence.

The cheer team, consisting of 35 students, including seven boys, rotates athletes throughout different competitions, allowing many students the opportunity to perform. Over the past 19 years, the American Falls cheerleaders have consistently finished in the top three at state, winning a state championship in 2016.

For Giesbrecht, the rewards of coaching extend beyond the trophies and titles.

“I love watching the kids push themselves, learn and get better,” she said. “They build on their strengths, and that’s what makes this program so successful.”

She also appreciates the unique nature of cheerleading, emphasizing that “one of the best things about dance and cheer is that there really isn’t an MVP — every student is equally important, and that’s a big key to our success.”

Her passion for the program is fueled by the relationships she builds with her students.

“The reason I coach, and keep coaching, is because I love working with these kids and seeing their growth,” she said.

The American Falls High School dance team, led by Kress, added to the school’s legacy by recently winning districts overall and in all four dance categories: kick, military, hip-hop and dance.

With 16 district titles in the last 18 years and four state championships in that same span, the dance team is another powerhouse in the state.

Like Giesbrecht, Kress finds fulfillment in watching her students grow and improve.

“Success breeds success,” she explained. “Seeing the process of students creating something, putting it together, and making it work is what keeps me going.”

A unique aspect of the American Falls spirit is the strong connection between the cheer and dance programs. Unlike many schools where one program typically overshadows the other, American Falls boasts powerhouse teams in both. A key factor in this success is the significant overlap of students between the two teams — 23 students are active members of both cheer and dance.

“Having a merge program where so many kids do both really strengthens us,” Kress noted. “It’s one of the reasons we’ve been able to sustain this level of success for so long.”

This collaboration is made even stronger by the close working relationship between the two coaches. Their journey began in 2007 when Kress was the head coach for both teams, with Giesbrecht serving as her assistant. The following year, Giesbrecht took over cheer while Kress focused solely on dance. However, their partnership remained intact, with each serving as the other’s assistant coach. Their mutual support and long tenure have been instrumental in shaping the programs’ continued dominance.

American Falls High School Principal Travis Hansen commended both the students and coaches for their dedication.

“I really appreciate the hard work of our coaches and students — they do an outstanding job,” Hansen said. “But what I’m most proud of is how inclusive our coaches are. They take as many kids as they can, even those with little experience, and help them grow. It’s incredible to see the progress they make.”

As the teams now prepare for the state championships, the American Falls community can take pride in the legacy of excellence built by Giesbrecht and Kress. Their unwavering commitment to their students, their ability to foster a culture of inclusivity, and their dedication to the long-term success of both programs continue to define the spirit of American Falls High School.

Randy Jensen is the superintendent of the American Falls School District.