While flipping and raising athletes into the airs seems like an activity best suited for experienced high schoolers, an annual cheer clinic will encourage elementary students to learn the tricks of the trade, Oct. 5-9.
Since 1980, the cheer clinic has been held yearly as a fundraiser for the cheer teams under the guidance of former coach Eunie McEntee. This year, leadership has been placed on new coaches: Robin Whitford (Stauf, ’98) and Paula (Shook, ’96) Beery and staff adviser Natalie (Giannetta, ’95) Douty. All are former FCHS graduates.
The clinic, run and taught by the high school and junior high cheerleaders, will take place in the Peoples Church gym. The clinic costs $40 for the first child and $30 for every additional sibling.
The future cheerleaders will switch from station to station doing numerous activities, including stunts, chants, “spell-outs” and jumps. The girls will use their new-found skills at Friday’s game. The high school cheerleaders will participate alongside, guiding the groups throughout the cheer.
Douty says she looks forward to coordinating the event, remembering her time in the clinic as an elementary student.
“I loved the clinic and looked up to the cheerleaders, especially because they were so nice,” Douty said. “When I became an FCS cheerleader, my chance arrived to teach the clinic. It is so much fun to watch them laugh, giggle, cheer, dance and play together as we cheer our hearts out. The event is a tradition, so I’m glad to see it continue.”
Douty says that, in addition to the fundraising potential, the clinic has value because it promotes school spirit and creates role models for the young cheerleaders.
“It’s good to get the children excited for cheer,” Douty said. “It also draws a great crowd on Friday night, because the kids get to participate throughout the entire game and in their grade level. The girls are such great role models for the young girls; the cheer clinic is such a good opportunity for them to be around young Christian girls that love to have fun and love Jesus.”
Varsity co-captain Kory Thompson, ’11, says she enjoys being a role model to the kids.
“I took it when I was in fourth grade, and I loved it; I thought the experience was great. The kids now look up to us so much,” Thompson said. “I like teaching the kids, especially because they all have different attitudes. It’s really fun to get the experience of teaching the kids now.”
First grader Emily Douty says she cannot wait to do the stunts.
“I really look forward to playing with my friends in the clinic after school,” Emily said. “I like having the junior high and high school teach us; they are nice.”
As a parent, Douty relives her cheer experiences with her daughters and said she appreciates these moments.
“My children love being around the high school cheerleaders; they have so much fun playing and cheering with them and can’t wait until they get into high school,” Douty said. “I love to watch them interact with the cheerleaders and learn the cheers, even though they learn them wrong at times.”
Parent Sandra Ramon says she looks forward to her daughter Kristalyn participating in the clinic.
“This being the first time, she doesn’t have that much experience,” Ramon said. “I think it will be great, though, because she will understand the feeling of being a part of a team. She’ll also learn what good sportsmanship [is].”
In addition to learning sportsmanship, Ramon appreciates the influence of the high school cheerleaders.
“She’s always talking about how nice the older cheerleaders are,” Ramon said. “I think it will be good for her, because then the cheerleaders can become role models.”
For more information, read the Sept. 29, 2008 article, Clinic instructs future cheer squads.
