Cape Cheerleaders Prepare for Competition

Cheerleading has undergone dramatic changes over the years. In 1889, cheerleading began as a group of college men chanting support for their college sports teams at the University of Minnesota, and by the 1920’s, female cheerleaders outnumbered the males.

In the 1980’s, cheer teams branched out into the competitive sports arena, and in 1997, when ESPN decided to start covering the cheerleading competitions, the sport exploded nationally. There are now thousands of recreation, high school and private cheer teams across the country that practice to compete on the local and national level.

This season, the Cape St. Claire Recreation Council is hosting three competitive cheer teams. During the five-month season, the teams will represent Cape St. Claire at eight competitions being held in Maryland, Virginia, Washington, D.C. and Pennsylvania.

Laura Dize and Brittainy Bohannon, coaches of the Junior Team, bring over 30 years of combined cheerleading experience. They both contribute hours of their own time choreographing stunts, tumbling sequences, and dance routines and then setting it all to music.

Their team is made up of 16 girls, ranging in age from 9 to 14, with varying degrees of cheerleading experience and ability. Each girl has to learn and perfect their tumbling, stunts, cheer, dance and sportsmanship, all the components of a routine that a panel of judges uses to evaluate each team.

Unlike other sports where one talented athlete can overcompensate for other less skilled team members, every member of the cheer team needs to perform at the "star athlete" level.

If one girl is struggling with a certain part of the routine, Dize or Bohannon will videotape that part and send it home with her. Dize also works with girls individually during practice breaks to help them perfect parts of the routine.

“Sometimes, if a few girls are having trouble, we will break the routine down slowly for the whole team and that gives us a better idea as to what parts are weak,” said Dize.

Natalie Belden is in her first year of cheering competitively. “I like competitive cheer because it has so many different parts that make up a whole routine,” said Belden. “I like the dance section the best because I can show more attitude!"

As a competition draws near, the coaches will add an extra two-hour practice to the week to give the team time to really perfect their presentation. After the team’s technique is flawless, the coaches work with the girls on sportsmanship, assessing each performer’s expressions and confidence as they execute the routine. They work with the girls on connecting with judges and projecting a fun and friendly attitude.

“Because this is a new team, my goal for the girls is to place at the competitions and gain experience working together in a competitive environment," said Bohannon.

This weekend all three teams traveled to Hershey, PA, to compete in the Annual Mardi Gras Nationals. All the coaches’ and cheerleaders’ hard work will be evident as each team takes to the floor and confidently completes their routine with precision, self-assurance and skillfulness.

• Broadneck High School Athletic Boosters still have tickets available for 8th Annual Bull Roast on March 19. See the boosters web site  for details.        
• Cape St. Claire soccer plays their first games March 20.                                  
• BHS spring sports photos will be taken on  Thursday, March 17 at the school.