Cheers to All-Star Fyrestorm

Just call it Karma in a Fyrestorm.

Arizona All-Star Fyrestorm Cheer continues to stack up national titles after keeping its athletes tumbling through the tough economy. Whatever awards and titles may come for the small-town gym, the owner says the priority is still “teaching them to be good human beings.”

Beth Mundell started the gym in 2011 on what she calls “a leap of faith.” A franchise of Arizona All-Star Tumbling and Cheer, it has come through challenges to keep its competitors in the spotlight among much bigger gyms.

“Little gym. Big dreams,” Mundell says.

She has 71 enrolled and 55 on her traveling team. When not competing, they have participated in community projects and fund-raisers for good causes.

Maricopa’s all-star cheer team went from success in Las Vegas, Nevada, in February to an intense competition in Bakersfield, California, in April.

In each competition, the girls and boys compete in a variety of divisions. They are judged on elements and execution. The team won six titles and swept its divisions at the Aloha International Spirit Championship in Vegas on Feb. 28.

Awards, yes, but also good vibes.

“They did Maricopa proud,” says supporter Keith Lostritto. “Class act, all the kids and coaches.”

Fyrestorm’s Karma team was the Level 2 champion for the two-day event.

Among five teams in the Level 2 Senior Division, Karma scored 261.90 points and easily outstripped their closest competition, North Vegas. In the Level 2 Youth Division, Fyrestorm’s Kaos team scored 261.17 points for first place against four other teams.

ElecTrick took first in the loaded Level 1 Junior Division, scoring 246.26 points. The Mini 5 Heart Breakers took first place in the Mini Stunt Group Division and, while competing alone, still totaled 240 points. The Junior Partner Stunt also had no competition and scored 212.

Going solo, Jayla Brasfield won the Individual Cheer Mini Division with 221 points.

“Two of three had no deductions,” Mundell said. “That was exciting. The kids worked really hard for each other and not personal gain. They wanted to win awards, but for the team.”

The team is keeping it fun. When asked to “stunt” in front of Maricopa’s infamous golden van (a viral selfie phenomenon on social media), they were happy to oblige.

Fyrestorm created a little phenomenon of their own by making hair bows that proved surprisingly popular. They even donated them to the high school softball team. They have also performed locally at Salsa Fest and Maricopa Relay for Life.