In Dinwiddie, Virginia, Kayla Allen is an inspiring cheerleader to her mother, team, school, and community. However, her journey wasn’t simple. Kayla has been a cheerleader her whole life but for the last few years, she’s had to overcome a major hurdle. In third grade, Kayla was diagnosed with muscular dystrophy, which eventually took away her ability to walk, forcing her to put cheer on hold and to adjust to her new life on a scooter. Still determined to cheer, Kayla tried out for several squads but was left devastated when her number was missing from all team rosters. Yet even that couldn’t stop Kayla. In ninth grade, she tried out for her high school squad, her confidence never wavering even as she watched other girls performing tumbles and tucks. During tryouts, Kayla and her mother Celestine Jackson informed the coaches Kae Partin and Brandi Atkins of her disability, but that wasn’t a problem and the coaches told Kayla that they don’t discriminate. In fact, Kayla’s confidence and determination struck such a chord in the coaches that Kayla made the varsity squad! Kayla rides on her scooter to cheer practice and is treated like any other teammate. She works hard, performing cheers from her scooter. Coach Partin told the newspaper Progress-Index that at first, Kayla was hesitant about getting on the mat with her scooter. When everyone encouraged her to join the team on the mat, she did and is now truly one of the team. Kayla’s teammates all treat Kayla like one of their own and Partin says Kayla has had a positive influence on the team, telling the newspaper, “she brings a deeper purpose to the team. It forces the team and the coaches to always recognize the needs of others around you. Typically, this is an age group that is more focused on themselves. But it has opened up their eyes to focus on others as well.” In reference to Kayla’s cheerleading talents, Partin adds, “She has an incredible spirit. Being part of a public school, it is far more than just reading, writing and arithmetic. There is pride behind saying I am a Dinwiddie General. And she has it.” Kayla is an inspiring cheerleader and proof that cheerleading isn’t just about tumbles and stunts. A true cheerleader embodies the cheer spirit and is passionate and dedicated to her sport. We’re also inspired by the entire Dinwiddie High School squad and coaches that embrace Kayla as one of their own. News Source: Progress-Index Does Kayla’s story inspire you? How does your squad live the cheer spirit?
As cliched as it may be, a new year is the perfect excuse to give yourself a makeover (and we’re not just talking a change of nail polish colors).
As a cheerleader, the new year is a great time to get back in those good habits that may have fallen by the wayside during the hectic fall and winter seasons.Nutrition and healthy eating is one habit all cheerleaders should work on. It should come as no surprise that what you eat plays a huge role in how you perform. The tricky part of this is that sometimes you don’t even realize you aren’t eating the right foods. The side effects can vary from fatigue to
a lack of focus. A lot of people may shirk off these side effects as the result of a lack of sleep. In reality, it may all have to do with your eating habits. If your diet isn’t balanced, your cheerleading skills can take a tumble.Here are six food rules every athlete should follow:
- Increase Your Protein Intake
Feeling nauseous or drained during practice or after a performance? You may not have had enough protein. Protein is gold and it can provide more energy and strength than anything else. The foods with the highest amount of protein per serving are meat, poultry, and fish – from beef and salmon to chicken and eggs. These are great foods to eat for lunch or dinner. For vegetarians, tofu and tempeh are great high-protein foods. If you want to take a protein-rich snack with you to practice, go for nuts (like almonds, peanuts, and cashews), seeds (sunflower, sesame, and pumpkin), and peanut butter. - Don’t Stuff Yourself
Overeating (or just eating too many carbs, like pasta and bread) before a day at practice or a competition can almost guarantee you a less than stellar performance. When you eat until you can’t eat any more, you end up feeling tired and sleepy soon after. This is the last way you want to feel when you’re working with your team. On cheerleading days, don’t stuff yourself. - Snack Often
Just because you’re not supposed to eat too much doesn’t mean you should go hungry. The golden rule is to eat less but more often. Try having five smaller meals a day, rather than three large meals. The more often you eat, the more fuel you’re providing your body, which can then be used for cheering, stunting, and tumbling. Never go to practice on an empty stomach and without a small snack of some kind. Easy, packable snacks include granola bars, trail mix, peanut-butter crackers, veggies, and fruit. - Carbs Aren’t the Enemy
While you should avoid a giant bowl of pasta right before a performance, don’t think you can’t eat any carbs. It’s all about eating the right kind of carbs. Swap white bread for wheat; white rice for brown rice or quinoa; and cereal for oatmeal. - A Spoonful of Sugar
After a long practice or intensive routine or game, it’s important to raise your blood sugar. It’s amazing how a little bit of sugar can get you feeling better almost instantly. Avoid candy or chocolate, which can upset your stomach before and after exercise and instead opt for fruit, muffins, or bagels. - Drink Up
Perhaps the most important rule is to hydrate as often as possible. The normal person should drink around eight glasses a day. An athlete, who is sweating and burning major energy, should be drinking at least double that amount. Always have a water bottle nearby or in your bag. While you should always be drinking a lot of water, electrolyte-enhanced beverages, like Vitamin Water and Gatorade are great options for when you want some flavor.
How do you stay healthy? What are your favorite foods and snacks?
- Increase Your Protein Intake
Cheerleading jumps are a basic skill, but they are mandatory for
all levels of cheerleading. Jumps are a feature of
sideline and elite choreography, and a requirement for most
cheerleading tryout routines! Jumps function as a crowd-pleasing move, but they also teach you valuable techniques that will help you pick up advanced moves and choreography at a faster pace.It’s important for a cheerleader to
master jump entry before moving on to the full jump. Performing the basic entry steps in repetition will help your body build muscle memory so that the movements needed for jumps become like second nature. Don’t forget to
stretch and warm up!How To Perform A Pike Jump for Cheerleading
Click above to view larger image- Start your jump entry with your feet together, your arms straight down on your side and your hands in fists.
- Clap your hands and then put your arms into a High V position, and come up onto your toes.
- Swing your arms down while bending your knees and lowering yourself into a squat. You want to help build momentum for your jump, so put a little power into this move!
- From your squatting position, you will swing your arms up and use your legs to launch yourself into the air.
- Once in the air, pull your legs up straight out in front of you at a 90 degree angle, bringing them up to your chest as high as you can. At the same time, lean your upper body forward and reach for your pointed toes, keeping your arms straight. Try to keep your legs and arms parallel to the ground during your jump. Be sure to point your toes!
- Your legs should be together when your feet hit the ground, and you should bend your knees to absorb the shock. As you are landing, you’ll also start pulling your arms down. After your feet hit the ground and you straighten your legs, you’ll bring your arms straight down by your side, keeping your hands in fists.
*While executing these each of these steps, make sure they are down quickly and consecutively of each other, so your jump will be one continual, smooth and powerful motion.
CheerLiving has released the sixth episode
of its show!The newest episode, produced by Cheer Channel and sponsored by Chasse, is all about maintaining the right body temperature in various weather conditions. Your safety is at risk if you’re cheering in very cold or very hot temperatures. In this episode, host Jessica discusses how to cheer safely, including how to stay cool in the heat and how to stay warm in the cold. She also shares some of CheerLiving’s favorite
Chasse warm-up styles to wear this season.You can watch all episodes on
Cheer Channel’s YouTube page and on Cheerleading Blog’s
Facebook page.Remember, you can subscribe to receive the digital version of CheerLiving magazine for free by visiting the CheerLiving website. You’ll have access to both the first and second issue and you’ll be emailed when a new issue is released!
Watch episode 6 now and then comment below and tell us your favorite part:
In Salinas, California, more than twelve parents have accused a cheer adviser of bullying
cheerleaders on the squads.The Steinbeck Football & Cheerleading Organization is a community program that includes several cheerleading squads, led by a cheerleading adviser. While some claim that evidence is unsubstantiated, others say there are rumors that Child Protective Services have been called to look into the situation.
The general consensus among a dozen parents is that their children are being treated too harshly.
The criticism they receive isn’t constructive and, as a result, they’re intimidated to speak to the coach. Some say that their children have been bullied to tears and their questions are ignored.Other parents argue that the adviser is only pushing the cheerleaders to try their best and work their hardest. The issue will be brought up at the next board meeting and we hope the issue is settled.
Bullying is never okay, whether it’s from a teammate or coach. If you’re a cheer parent and you think your cheerleader is being bullied or put in danger, you can visit the
National Cheer Safety Foundation for many great resources.Do you think this coach sounds like a bully? Or, are the parents being too sensitive?
News Source: Central Coast NewsWhat would a
cheer season be without its traditions? Ok, it would still be amazing, but having traditions helps bring a school, community and team together! However a tradition might get its start, one of the responsibilities of a cheerleading team is to carry those traditions on, and teach them to new members of the team. Some traditions are wild, like face and body painting, and some focus on a certain group of the community, like graduating seniors or retiring teachers; but the
hidden benefits of cheerleading traditions make the time and effort well worth while!Here are some real
cheerleading team‘s traditions, submitted by our readers. Check them out, get inspired and share them with your squad!Cipriana
North Pole Patriots HS and AYF teams
AlaskaAt
cheer camp one year my squad and I learned something called Little Sally Walker. Immediately we all loved it! so we took it to our cheerleading practices and did it everyday at the end of practice. I think we all really liked it because it was such a
great way for the team to bond with everyone. Its great; there’s laughing and singing and dancing! I’m not part of that squad anymore because I have moved but next year I hope to bring the same tradition to them because it just such a fun great thing to do! I hope to keep this tradition.Wondering what the Little Sally Walker is? Check out this video!
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ktfm3WjpqhQ&feature=related[/youtube]Rebekah
Washington Academy Raiders
MaineFor Valentine’s Day my squad makes homemade Valentine’s & purchases carnations for the elderly at two local assisted living places in our community & for Christmas, the squad makes homemade Christmas tree ornaments & signs Christmas cards to deliver to the residents at the same two assisted living centers. After the cheerleaders pass out and visit with the residents they perform all their cheers in the community room. This brings our squad closer because of the joy & cheer we bring to the residents! We are the only squad in our county that does this for the elderly!
Amanda
BFA cheerleading
VermontSince we hail from the maple capital of the world, on
competition days the entire team gets together for breakfast. Everyone gets a small cup of locally produced Vermont maple syrup to put on his or her food. The maple syrup helps the team to “stick their stunts.”Jesse
Stamford Collegiate Secondary
Ontario CanadaI may not cheer for an all-star team, but I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else besides my high school team. My high school team is limited coed level 3 and we came in first both regional and provincials last year and we hope to take the title again this year and proceed to Nationals. Like most all-star teams, they practice till the end of their season and restart again in the next couple of weeks. After our season, we have one week off, then here we go,
cheerleading team tryouts again and we practice all through the summer season. Best of luck to my team and our showcase next month, provincial champs one more time!Loving these traditions? Let us know in the comments!
Does your cheerleading team have a great tradition, or have they found a unique way to updated an old tradition? Share your story in our comments!
Get to know the models for the Spring 2012 Lineup from
cheerleading company Chasse! Their newest cheer fashions are now available for purchase exclusively through
Omni Cheer and
Campus Teamwear.Don’t forget to check out all of the
‘Meet The Models’ spotlights!
AMERICA (student, model, athlete)
Age: 16
Loves running long distancesWhat do you like to do in your spare time? I like to spend time with my friends and play sports.
Favorite…
Movie: Nightmare Before Christmas
Color: Purple
Favorite Store: H&M
JAYDEN (student, athlete, model)
Age: 11
Loves to draw, and play soccer and softballWho inspires you the most? My mom! She is hardworking and loving!
What are 3 songs on your iPod playlist right now? The One That Got Away by Katy Perry, Tonight by Hot Chelle Rae and Love You Like A Love Song by Selena Gomez.
Favorite…
Book: Also Known As Harper
Actress: Selena Gomez
CHRISTINA (student, model, musician)
Age: 16
Plays the piano and the French hornWho are your top 3 style icons? Selena Gomez, Blake Lively and Leighton Meester.
What is your favorite exercise? Lunges and squats.
Favorite…
Book: How To Kill A Mockingbird
Color: Green
Store: Forever 21What advise do you have for our readers? Keep doing what you love and enjoy every moment of it!
ARIEL (cheerleader, model)
Age: 10
Has been a flyer since age 5What are you top 3 cheer bag must-haves? My cheer hair bow, warm up gear and my
stunting and tumbling shoes.What song gets you pumped up for practice and working out? LMAFO’s Sexy and I Know It (Hey cheerleaders! Love that song?
Check out this cheer shirt!)Favorite…
Movie: Elf
TV Show: Modern FamilyWhat advise do you have for our readers? Follow your dreams and don’t give up!
AMBER (model, athlete, volunteer)
Age: 16
Loves figure skatingWho inspires you the most? My mom because she is the most intelligent and amazing person in the world, and my skating coach because she is so inspiring!
What is your go-to snack when you have a sweet tooth? Dark chocolate
Favorite…
Color: Pink
Book: Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants
ARABELLA (model, student)
Age: 17
Was a cheerleader and gymnast for 2 years and is always up for something new!What was your favorite part about cheerleading? The feeling of excitement when we would
get out in front of the crowd and get them excited for the game.What is your favorite cheerleading accessory? The
pom poms!What advise do you have for our readers? Do what you love, no matter what anyone tells you!
KATHERINE (model, athlete, student)Age: 9Has been a cheerleading since age 2, and is currently a flyer
What is your favorite memory from cheering? Watching the video of our performance from our Nationals win in Florida and seeing how high my
basket toss was!
What are your top must-have cheerleading makeup items?
Colorful glitter and glue, lipstick and hairsprayFavorite…
Color: Purple
Book: Diary of a Wanna-Be Cheerleader
What advise do you have for our readers? You can do anything you want in life as long as you set your mind to it!Check out all of the models in the Spring 2012 Omni Cheer and Campus Teamwear catalogs, now available, and online!
Did you know that, in terms of concussions and head trauma, cheerleading is the second most dangerous sport after football? Or that cheerleading accounts for
65% of catastrophic injuries among high school female athletes?Considering that many school cheer teams don’t compete, that means cheer is dangerous from the sidelines as well. Take a look at a few different ways cheerleading can be dangerous, from collisions to falls.
1) Collisions. Cheerleaders aren’t just
waving colorful pom poms. But even when they are, disaster can still strike. Take for example the Boise State incident that happened just last August. During a football game, a player attempted to catch a ball and ended up trampling a cheerleader on the sidelines.At a NFL game, a Miami Dolphins player accidentally ran into a Dallas Cowboy cheerleader on the sidelines. Since she was cheering facing the spectators, there was no way she could have seen the player coming (as you can see in the video below).
2) Miscommunication. Sometimes, a simple lack of communication can cause a big accident.
During a 2007 Auburn High School football game, the football team ran through a banner held up by the cheer squad. What was the problem? Someone didn’t tell one of the cheerleaders (who was fixing a portion of the banner) the team was about to blast through the banner. As a result, the entire football team trampled over her.
During a school performance, a Westfield High School flyer wasn’t caught by her teammates after being tossed in the air. Because of miscommunication, some of the cheerleaders thought the flier would do a back flip and land on the ground while the flyer thought she was supposed to do a basket toss. She landed hard on the cement several feet behind the bases and spotter.
3) Stunt Mishaps Even without collisions and miscommunication, there are always injuries due to dangerous stunts, no matter how experienced the cheerleader.
This past November before a basketball game, an Orlando Magic cheerleader fell from the shoulders of another cheerleader and hit her head. She fractured three vertebrae and broke a rib. As a result of the accident, the of Florida banned their cheer team from any further
tumbling and stunting (which of course upset a lot of cheerleaders).During a pregame practice, a St. Vincent High School cheerleader fell during a lift. She landed on top of the coach (who was attempting to catch her) and injured her neck.
Concussions, significant head injuries, and even paralysis can occur when stunts go wrong. During tryouts one year, a then 14-year-old cheerleader named Laura Jackson attempted a back tuck but cracked her head on the floor when the flip was not a success. She is now paralyzed from the waist down.
Unfortunately, these incidents aren’t as unusual as they should be. It isn’t just accidents or stunts that put cheerleaders in danger either; some of the most common injuries for cheerleaders include twists, fractures, and sprains which occur during tumbling. A slight error in a
back handspring or front tuck can cause a painful injury.Flyers aren’t the only ones getting hurt either. Many bases and spotters suffer injuries during tosses and catches – from the more serious injuries like broken noses or bloody gashes from getting kicked or elbowed by the flyer, to less serious (but still painful!) incidences like getting fingernails ripped off or suffering from scratches.
While appropriate equipment, proper
practice wear and uniforms, and communication can prevent a lot of injuries, cheerleading is still dangerous and accidents still happen. Many cheerleaders, like other athletes, face a lot of pressure to return to the sidelines or mats, and end up re-injuring themselves because they didn’t
take enough time off to heal from the original injury.
Have you or a teammate suffered an injury from cheer? What safety measures does your squad take? Share your thoughts and leave us a comment below!CheerLiving has released the seventh episode
of its web show!The newest episode, produced by Cheer Channel and sponsored by Chasse, takes a look at this year in cheer, including trends, news, and poll results from the 2013 polls on Cheerleading Blog.
You can watch all episodes on
Cheer Channel’s YouTube page and on Cheerleading Blog’s
Facebook page.Remember, you can subscribe to receive the digital version of CheerLiving magazine for free by visiting the CheerLiving website. You’ll have access to both the first and second issue and you’ll be emailed when a new issue is released!
Watch episode 7 now and then comment below and tell us your favorite part:
Cheerleaders are perhaps the only athletes who have to fight negative stereotypes while fighting to be the best they can be. Things seem to be getting better for some cheerleaders at least. Forty one percent of cheerleaders say their family and friends are very supportive of their sport, and cheerleading has been declared an official sport in some states, with more likely to follow.
Still, there’s a ways to go before cheerleaders can participate in their sport and follow their passion without these nagging misconceptions. Some people make the false assumptions that cheerleading is easy, cheerleaders aren’t athletes, cheerleaders are popular “mean girls, ” or that cheerleaders are ditzy as the movies often portray them. We’ve explained why these myths aren’t true and suggested some ways to respond to these common cheer insults. But, while knowing the facts and being able to talk about them with people who don’t understand our sport may help the issue, it won’t change negative perceptions altogether.
So how do you change these negative perceptions?
Just be you!
Really. Every negative misconception about cheerleading we’ve ever encountered is completely untrue. Cheerleaders are athletic, kind, intelligent, competitive, and supportive. They are leaders in their schools and communities. They do a lot to raise support for their school and its sports teams. They make a difference in their schools and communities by reaching out, supporting important causes, and volunteering.
If cheerleaders just keep on doing what they’re doing, more and more people will catch on to the fact that cheerleaders are skilled and well-rounded athletes, students, and people. Maybe Hollywood will even figure it out and start making more realistic cheerleading movies!
In the meantime, the best thing to do is spend your time with people who support and encourage you. There’s no need to go out and shout the truth at people who look down on cheerleading. You’re too busy doing what you love and enjoying your time with the people who love you for it!
In other words, haters gonna hate, so just shake it off!
Do you still encounter negative perceptions about cheerleaders? What do you think is the best way to react?
