.
December 1, 2009
Jules Libertin and Amy Yakubowski
Those who believe cheerleading is only entertainment and consists of no athletic ability may need to reconsider their thoughts.
“If people don’t think cheerleading is a sport, I think they should come to one of our practices,” head coach Marilyn Stripe said.
Hoban cheerleaders begin in early summer with three practices a week, including tumbling, mounting and learning dances and cheers. The girls also participate in a five-day OHSAA camp, which consists of cheering from 8:00 AM until 9:00 PM.
“We started practice in June to prepare for our intense cheer camp,” senior Jen Kalbus said. “We trained by running the hills, doing line drills, lifting weights and dancing.”
Besides a busy summer, the squad also has the longest season out of all Hoban teams. They cheer for two consecutive sports, football and basketball, and then compete in statewide competitions.
To keep up with their demanding schedule, the Knights practice three days a week. One of the practices is spent at Perfect Balance to practice tumbling and mounting. The other two days the team is forced to practice in the cafeteria because of the lack of gym availability.
“The girls pay out of their own pockets to go to Perfect Balance,” Stripe said. “When we are there we practice for a hour and a half. The girls work really hard during this time.”
Besides being physically demanding due to the gymnastics aspect, cheerleading also has a mental facet. Just as sports teams, like basketball or volleyball, come up with their own plays, the team makes up their own dance routines and cheers.
“The girls make up all dance routines or add motions to past ones,” Stripe said. “The only routine they are taught is their state competition routine.”
While the choreography is compiled together by all members of the squad, the senior leadership shines. Kalbus, Cassie Balawender, Maria Chiurazzi, Amelia Marshall, Brittany Martina, Jeana Milan, Alyssa Palcko, Angela Paridon and Anne Marie Shaffer all contribute to make school spirit overflow in the stands.
“We are all leaders,” Kalbus said. “Brittany, Amelia and Angela take charge when making up and teaching cheers and dances. They are huge assets to the squad.”
Loading ...
