With bows perched high on their heads, heavy make-up and ear-piercing cries, the varsity cheer team began their performance at the JAMZ competition at Six Flags Magic Mountain, Nov. 22. After months of practice, the squad took home first place in their division for their competition routine, themed “love.”
This is the last competition where the girls will perform without three new additions to the team, who are now practicing with the squad. Head coach Robin Whitford says the reduced numbers made for extra challenges at Magic Mountain.
“The changes to the routines and stunt groups were very difficult,” Whitford said, “With only 12 girls on the squad for this competition, it can make things difficult. However, our team is very experienced and can adapt well to changes.”
The team met their precedent of succeeding at the competition, winning for the second time. They beat one other team, a Roosevelt High School (not from Fresno) to win.
“This is now my second year placing first at Magic Mountain,” junior Bree Ainley said. “I definitely consider it a tradition and hope it stays like that.”
According to Ainley, while the surrounding rides and games of the amusement park were distracting, the girls stayed focused on the task at hand.
“The strongest point was definitely our opening and dance routine,” Ainley said. “The rides and set-up was different from most competitions we are used to, but it was nice to have a change.”
The varsity cheer team will now be adding three new girls to their squad, including former cheerleader Mary Reynolds, ’11.
“I believe the transition won’t be too hard because I know most of the girls,” Reynolds said. “But it is going to be weird coming in halfway and making everything work before the next competition.”
According to sophomore Lisa Lumeya, the squad looks forward to the additions to their team.
“I think it’s great tryouts were held again so we can be more prepared for nationals and win, and up our level of excellence,” Lumeya said.
The next competition will be at the Golden State Spirit Association (GSSA) in Sacramento, Dec. 12. However, this time there will be 15 girls instead of 12.
“Cheer is a passion of mine and I am ready to take on whatever it takes,” Reynolds said, “I am a little bit nervous about the competition coming up but I am not scared. Overall, I am very happy with the outcome of girls chosen to be on the squad.”
For more information, e-mail Whitford.
