Cheerleading/cheer tryouts

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Expert: - 3/31/2011


Question
Hi. My name is Jenelle, I've been a varsity cheerleader for two years, and this past year I was the head cheerleader. I'm trying out for a college level cheer squad but they require tumbling. This has never posed a problem for me since tumbling wasn't required at my high school. Now, however, it does. My doctor says i cannot tumble because of a medical condition concerning my spine. I really want to make the squad, but I'm afraid i won't because of this. Should I still try out? What should I do? Please Help. Thanks.

Answer
Sorry it's taken me so long to answer you. I'm out of town for my own cheerleading competition and I barely have internet access!

Anyways, I would still try out. What harm can it do? Be aware of the fact that you're at a disadvantage because of tumbling. Maybe you could speak to the coach and explain the situation. Another option would be try out/join an all-star gym. They have Open Level 6 teams that are 17 year olds and older. Usually they don't require tumbling and take whoever signs up. They only compete and do not cheer at games so this option would only make sense if you liked competing rather than cheering at games. I'm on an Open team right now and have been for 2 years and I enjoy it a lot. It's a lot of fun and less pressure than other teams I've been on. We only practice once or twice a week and we're currently in first out of 5 teams this weekend! It's been a good season and I would recommend it to you.

Good luck at tryouts if you decide to do it. Let me know if there's anything else you need.

Cheerleading

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Chris

Expertise

I can answer questions on partner stunts, dismounts, basket tosses, choreography, pyramids, jumps, motions, chants, and formations. I can answer questions on tryouts, coaching, general cheerleading, etc. I cannot answer questions on co-ed stunts/pyramids or tumbling. Aside from these areas I can usually answer, or direct you to an answer, on any other topic.

Experience

I've been cheerleading for 10 years. My teams consistently competed at the national level, placing many times. I've coached for the past 5 years, and the team I coached most recently became National Champions. I've cheered at the Pop Warner, High School, and All-Star levels. I coach alongside my mother and sister who have coached at the all-star level as well. I've been watching cheerleading since I was 4, and I can create routines, give advice, and help teach kids how to deal with competitions. I have a knack for coaching and giving advice. I'm always the coach designated to give the pep talks to the kids before competitions.

Education/Credentials
I have been living with cheerleading coaches for 10+ years which teaches more than anyone can imagine. I was captain of my Varsity High School squad which came with the responsibility of picking music, writing a cheer, creating and teaching the routine, and making the formations. I have also coached nationally ranked teams for 5 years.

Awards and Honors
Two-time All-State Cheerleader nominee All-State Class M Cheerleader Varsity Cheer Captain

Past/Present Clients
The 32 young girls I just helped coach to a national championship! :) It wasn't easy, but they'll all say the work was worth it in the end.

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