by LaShanda D. Maze
Staff Writer
With a returning squad of 12 members and a enthusiastic number of new recruits, cheerleading is looking to an interesting year.
Try-outs are being held today starting at 6 p.m. Five returning seniors will be given automatic positions but everyone else must try out.
A cheer clinic was held on Wednesday, Sept. 11 to teach the required dance routine and cheer for the try outs. Returning cheerleaders, dressed in full uniforms, participated and led the women while giving words of encouragement. Individual attention was also provided to make sure everyone understood what would be required.
A warm up was led by co captain, Karla Molina to get the women stretched out and prepared for the rest of the morning. Four of the returning cheerleaders than taught the women the cheer. Returning cheerleader, Makayla Benjamin, went over jumps. Right and left leg kick are some of the things the women learned.
Try-outs are being run differently this year. Instead of having the clinic and try outs in one day, like last year, there will be a few days in between to perfect the techniques.
The hopeful addition of some men cheerleaders will put the ULV squad on a more competitive edge, according to adviser, Deborah Burris-Kitchen. With men, the squad will be able to do a lot more stunts and will have more stunt leaders. A shoulder sit, shoulder stand, elevator, and a liberty are some of the stunts that can be achieved with men cheerleaders.
Jared Ellis, a freshman trying out, cheered at his high school for two years.
“I want to bring some of my experience in,” said Ellis. “It will be interesting to see the difference between high school and college competition.”
A lot of freshman are enthusiastic about trying out. Jennifer Blake, a freshman, wanted to stay involved since she does not live on campus. She chose cheerleading as her way of involvement because of four OWL’s (Orientation Week Leaders) who spoke highly of the program.
“I’d just like to get out there and support the school,” she said.
There are no set numbers on how many women or men will be chosen. The returning cheerleaders are open to new ideas.
“You guys are new. Teach us and we’ll teach you,” said Nadia Lopez, returning cheerleader, at the orientation meeting.
Senior Tieu-My Nguyen has seen cheerleading develop over the four years since she has been a participant. Reflecting back, she realizes that the quantity of girls, the quality of cheerleading and the spirit has grown. “Little by little I see more support,” she said.
If accepted, the expenses for the women will be well under $300. There will be less costs for males, who are only required to buy a Polo shirt and green shorts.
Cheerleaders will also be required to attend a cheerleading camp held by the NCA (National Cheerleading Association) at Cal State Northridge. It was there that Burris-Kitchen, realized the team was not prepared for competition in the highest forms.
Teams there had a lot more members, including males, and had more gymnastic ability that the ULV squad just does not have yet. With a dedicated team, however, Burris-Kitchen believes that all these things are possible.
One of the future plans of the cheerleading team is to attend a gymnastic clinic with Pomona High School.
The returning cheerleaders will be attending the first football game on Sept. 14 at Azusa Pacific University. The new cheerleaders will be showing off their stuff before the first home game which is Oct .5. They will be cheering throughout the football and basketball season and going to volleyball and baseball games this year.
