About James Expertise I can answer questions on the following subjects. Coed partner stunts at any level, group pyramids, all levels of male motions and beginning levels of female motions. I can also give out general tips for tryouts. I cannot answer questions on tumbling or choreography.
Experience I have worked at multiple all-star gyms teaching stunt clinics and classes and have cheered on a collegeiate squad for the past 3 years.
Education/Credentials I am the current male captain of my collegiate squad.
Cheerleading - First time Cheerleader Am I too old?
Expert: James - 1/3/2009
Question Hey I'm Samantha, I'm 13 and I would love to try out for junior varsity next year! My sister says that I might be too old since I can't do any stunts or tumbling. I weigh 128 pounds am I also too fat? So basically I want to know if I'm to old and if not what should I do to get started if my mom doesn't have a lot of money? and am I too fat? Should I work out?
please please help me this is my dream :)
Answer First off you are never too old, granted I'm a guy which does have its differences but I never did my first stunt until I was 23. As far as "too fat" don't speak about yourself that way. No matter what you weigh you are going to want to work out. Granted at 128lbs you're not going to be a flyer so you want to do pushups, situps, and run to gain strength so you can become a base. Your mother not having alot of money will not hurt you as long as you want to tryout for a school squad and not an all-star squad (which you would have to pay for). Rule #1, never ever ever give up on your dream, even if you get cut once. I got cut the first time I tried out and then I ended up being a college cheerleader for 3 years and captain of the squad my last year so you can't give up. First you need to either find a friend at school who is a cheerleader or talk to the coach and ask them what they look for at tryouts that way you know specifically what to do and what they look for. Then as I said you need to jog (you can start out walking and build your way up) and some other cardio (i.e. jumping jacks or jump rope) and as I said before and pushups & situps and any other exercises the coach might suggest. Good luck.
