2007-2008 cheer parent thread

[brenrn]

Just make sure that your girls are in the level that best suits them. We were competing at a level 2 and were having alot of trouble since we don't have alot of tumbling and the girls were getting frustrated. Sometimes there were 15 to 20 teams in that division. We have since moved to a Level 1A and are much more competitive. It has helped to boost the girl's self confidence and they are doing so much better now. Try out some smaller competitions first and then work your way up to the bigger ones.

Cost is always an issue. We are non-profit and do alot of fundraising. You can also get local sponsors. You can shop around for uniforms. Our uniforms were around $175, plus shoes and bows and they are really cute.

I couldn't agree more about being in the appropriate level!!! I drives me absolutely crazy when I see teams in a level that they don't belong in! Why coaches do it is beyond me! The gym we left has a Large Senior Co-Ed 3 team that throws a total of 4 tucks and doesn't even have full team BHS!!! They can't hold a stunt up to save their lives...now why on earth the coach thought it was a good idea to make them level 3 is beyond me! Their scores are sometimes lower than our tinies and minis!!!!

 

[JRoglitz]

I couldn't agree more about being in the appropriate level!!! I drives me absolutely crazy when I see teams in a level that they don't belong in! Why coaches do it is beyond me! The gym we left has a Large Senior Co-Ed 3 team that throws a total of 4 tucks and doesn't even have full team BHS!!! They can't hold a stunt up to save their lives...now why on earth the coach thought it was a good idea to make them level 3 is beyond me! Their scores are sometimes lower than our tinies and minis!!!!

It was the best decision we ever made. They went from feeling defeated and frustrated to winning National Champions this past weekend. They still compete against other teams, but at their level. It made me cry to see all their enthusiams and excitement. They are still working on their tumbling and skills to move up, but will stay where they are until they can be competitive in a higher division.

 

[brenrn]

It was the best decision we ever made. They went from feeling defeated and frustrated to winning National Champions this past weekend. They still compete against other teams, but at their level. It made me cry to see all their enthusiams and excitement. They are still working on their tumbling and skills to move up, but will stay where they are until they can be competitive in a higher division.

Good for your coaches! I really think teams should have just about full team tumbling to compete at the level. My daughter's coach thought about moving them to mini 3 this year but they would have just had the half plus 1 throwing tucks. I'd much rather see them go out with full team tumbling at level 2 and look super strong!!!

 

[fltwinmom]

As far as the uniforms go you can definitely outfit a mini squad in great uniforms for less than $300! Especially, since this is the first year...something the owner might want to consider!

As far as the money goes...as long as you (as a coach) run structured practices where the kids are learning and progressing that's all parents really want. Sure it's great to win but it's not everything. We left a gym last year because the gym itself was a mess and they had no idea what they were doing. My daughter's team was last or next to last at every competition. It wasn't so much about winning...just being somewhere in the middle of the pack you know? This year she's at a phenominal gym on an amazing mini level 2 team. The winning is just the icing on the cake though! I love the gym owners and the way the program is run! That's what's important.

This is EXACTLY what I am afraid of. Not knowing what I am doing. And, not really knowing where to go to find the answers I am looking for.

 

[brenrn]

This is EXACTLY what I am afraid of. Not knowing what I am doing. And, not really knowing where to go to find the answers I am looking for.

Well, in the not knowing what they were doing I'm talking about the owners of the gym. You are being proactive by asking questions here and doing your homework so I think you'll be fine!!!

 

[fltwinmom]

A huge thank you to all who have given me their honest opinions. You guys have really all been a big help.

What I am really interested in is how different places structure their practices. I remember all of the stretches and excercises I did when I cheered, but I really don't remember the practices all that well.

Would one of you mind going through a timeline for a sample practice for me?

I'm sorry to be a pain. I really just want to make sure that I am not missing anything.

 

[kidzmom3]

practice at our gym lasts 2 hours normally. 3 hours the week before competition and up to 5 hours on the choreography day. I hope that you are going to use professional choreography and music mix. If you don't, in our area, it is very hard to even hold your own.

During the regular 2 hour practices they:

warm up and stretch/conditioning 15-30 minutes
stunting-time depends on if they are learning something new or having trouble.
the dance-at least 30 minutes every week to get everyone in synch
the entire routine-at least 3 maybe 5 times with and without the music
cool down/stretch

They have tumbling separately 3 times per week 1 1/2 hours. It is mandatory to attend 2 of them.

A local Y tried to start up a new all-star program last year. They did okay, competed at level 1, and lost all of their girls except 4 to the more established programs. Sometimes, people are not willing to let a program grow with them. Especially if your prices are the same as the established gyms. I have never heard of an All-star gym that did not let everyone compete. Usually, they place the girl on the appropriate level team and if you pay, you compete.

 

[brenrn]

A huge thank you to all who have given me their honest opinions. You guys have really all been a big help.

What I am really interested in is how different places structure their practices. I remember all of the stretches and excercises I did when I cheered, but I really don't remember the practices all that well.

Would one of you mind going through a timeline for a sample practice for me?

I'm sorry to be a pain. I really just want to make sure that I am not missing anything.

My daughter is a on a Mini 2 and they practice 4 hours a week plus a one hour tumble class. For practice:

stretch (10-15 min or so)
warm-up tumbling (20-30 min)
-they start with the basics...forward rolls, hand-stands, front and back walkovers then move to cartwheels, round-offs, then standing BHS then ROBHS and then they all warm up their pass if they have one.
-they usually start by making any changes or adding anything new in. Then they'll walk the routine through just marking stunts and tumbling then they'll just mark tumbling and stunt then tumble and walk tumbling. Every few times they'll do the whole routine full out.

This is now that they know the whole thing. When they were learning the choreography/routine her coach broke it down into sections and they would focus on one section at a time until it was perfect. She would NOT move on to the next section until everyone had it down.

HTH!!!

 

[OFFTONEVERLAND1]

Does anyone know anything about United Cheer Gym in Columbus, Ga? Looks like we will be moving to that area in December and my DD will need a new cheer gym. TIA

 

[rbuzzotta]

fltwinmom.............I wish you the best. Typical practices are like what others have said. Summer months are for conditioning and learning techniques (motions, dance moves, tumbling, stunting). Read all the rules that will apply to the level you are coaching. Start looking now for a choreographer!! Music person as well. You can inquire with other welll known gyms about choreographers. Also inquire about summer camps. Action Spirit does camps and my daughters have enjoyed them. Not sure how to get in touch with them but alot of the instructors are from Top Gun in Miami!

offtoneverland1...........only gym I am familiar with in GA is Stingrays out of Marietta or Alpharetta. Not sure how close that is.

Stephanie was able to do her complete jump sequence to tuck last night!!! She really had a tough and hard practice!!! Her stunting looked great. Her ankle is getting stronger each day. She did not attempt her running tumbliing pass as the team tumbled at the end of practice and she had already done so much on it she was a little sore! Two more weeks until worlds!! Haven't heard yet if they are going to Jamfest Nationals on April 19-20 in Springfield.

Good luck to everyone finishing up their seasons!!! Any videos???

Good luck on tryouts for the 2008-2009 season...........hey will we need to start another thread on that???/

 

[brenrn]

Stephanie was able to do her complete jump sequence to tuck last night!!! She really had a tough and hard practice!!! Her stunting looked great. Her ankle is getting stronger each day. She did not attempt her running tumbliing pass as the team tumbled at the end of practice and she had already done so much on it she was a little sore! Two more weeks until worlds!! Haven't heard yet if they are going to Jamfest Nationals on April 19-20 in Springfield.

Good luck to everyone finishing up their seasons!!! Any videos???

Good luck on tryouts for the 2008-2009 season...........hey will we need to start another thread on that???/

That's awesome that Stephanie is getting back in the swing of things!!! Woo Hoo!!! I've been trying to post a video of Ry's team on my private Myspace but am having trouble. I can only post it private b/c the coaches have a fit! They don't like the kids on youtube! If I get it up I'll send you a link!

 

[rbuzzotta]

I'd love to see Ry's team Brenda!!!

Can't believe Worlds is in 2 weeks. Added practices the week before!! I just hope Steph takes it slow and does not try to do everything every night of added practices. I hope she listens to me (or listens to her ankle) and takes it slow and saves it for Worlds!!

I am looking forward to the warmth of FL!!! I saw at the top of the DIS boards page they mention the cheerleading Worlds!!! Forewarn all the others about the place being inundated with cheerleaders!!! It is my understanding that all the AllStar resorts are full!!! and some are at the moderates!! Glad I will be at OKW!! Steph's team does compete until between 5-9 PM both nights!!! Good and bad...............teens are sun worshippers and I hope she does not get drained if she goes in the sun!!!

 

[undercovermom]

OK I just was cruising the cable channels and right now on ESPN...the UCA competition that took place in WDW last month. (recognized the backdrop from a picture that was posted here)

right now I'm watching senior all stars.

good to see that they're treating this as the sport it really is.

 

[undercovermom]

I'd love to see Ry's team Brenda!!!

Can't believe Worlds is in 2 weeks. Added practices the week before!! I just hope Steph takes it slow and does not try to do everything every night of added practices. I hope she listens to me (or listens to her ankle) and takes it slow and saves it for Worlds!!

I am looking forward to the warmth of FL!!! I saw at the top of the DIS boards page they mention the cheerleading Worlds!!! Forewarn all the others about the place being inundated with cheerleaders!!! It is my understanding that all the AllStar resorts are full!!! and some are at the moderates!! Glad I will be at OKW!! Steph's team does compete until between 5-9 PM both nights!!! Good and bad...............teens are sun worshippers and I hope she does not get drained if she goes in the sun!!!

good luck.

and yeah, there are people on this board who should be warned to stay away from WDW in two weeks.

 

[undercovermom]

and they just showed a snippet of a routine by the special athletes.

 

[goofy!]

and they just showed a snippet of a routine by the special athletes.

The ones in the white uniforms that went first was our team. It came on here at 10am and my daughter was parked in front of ESPN at 7am. We kept telling her she had 3 hours till airtime, but she was bound and determined not to miss it

I wish they had shown more of the Kentucky Elite team as they were so incredible. They were actually good enough to be competitive at level 1.

Then she yelled -Mom - you and dad are on TV. We were smack in the middle of the yellow shirted Cheer Central parents. Yikes is all I can say. At least it was HUGE incentive to stay on my diet Now, everytime I feel like cheating, I just have to go to the DVR and look at myself.

Rbuzzota - That is such great news about Stephanie. We will be thinking of her the next two weeks that she stays healthy for Worlds.

JRoglitz - Congrats on the National Championship! Your daughter is adorable.

Congrats to all who have competed successfully and a

HUGE GOOD LUCK to all going to Worlds next week!

 

[tnkrbell]

I LOVED watching the comp!!!!! I was so excited to see the Suns!!! I felt like it was Family!!!!

 

[fltwinmom]

The ones in the white uniforms that went first was our team. It came on here at 10am and my daughter was parked in front of ESPN at 7am. We kept telling her she had 3 hours till airtime, but she was bound and determined not to miss it

I wish they had shown more of the Kentucky Elite team as they were so incredible. They were actually good enough to be competitive at level 1.

Then she yelled -Mom - you and dad are on TV. We were smack in the middle of the yellow shirted Cheer Central parents. Yikes is all I can say. At least it was HUGE incentive to stay on my diet Now, everytime I feel like cheating, I just have to go to the DVR and look at myself.

Rbuzzota - That is such great news about Stephanie. We will be thinking of her the next two weeks that she stays healthy for Worlds.

JRoglitz - Congrats on the National Championship! Your daughter is adorable.

Congrats to all who have competed successfully and a

HUGE GOOD LUCK to all going to Worlds next week!

Thanks for the video of your DD's team. They look so good!!



We have been holding clinics on Saturdays for some of the girls interested in cheering. We had our first one on Saturday. Not a whole lot of girls yet, but official "tryouts" aren't until next weekend. So, we'll see how many girls we get.

 

[undercovermom]

So I guess I did see your dd's team! It must have been such a thrill for her to see the team on TV.

Keep your fingers crossed for my dd this weekend. She has narrowed down her college choices to two schools, and one of those schools is having cheerleading tryouts Saturday and Sunday.

The college is a Division I school for football and basketball, and the cheerleadeers support those teams. This year the cheerleaders didn't do competitions, but next year they plan to compete --- their new coach has an extensive background with all star gyms. You cant even try out for the team unless you can do a back handspring, and tryouts include learning a cheer, the school song, and working in a stunt group. About half the girls who try out will make the team.

My dd is on a school team, but she's taken tumbling lessons at an all star gym, and as for stunting -- at various times she's been a base and a flyer, so she has versatlity. She's also had 10 years of dance claases. I think she has a good chance of making the team, but who knows?

 

[rbuzzotta]

undercovermom.............good luck to your DD on tryouts and on deciding which school to attend!! I don't look forward to that next year!!!

I can't believe Worlds is the end of next week!!! Steph started running tumbling on the tumble track Sunday. She said it felt good. She is happy that her flexibility is coming back with stunting. She has 5 more practices before they leave for Worlds. Still not sure what AllStar she is staying at yet, but at least I know that she knows the bus system and property as she has been going to WDW since before she could walk!!

I feel bad for all those people not knowing what to expect!!! Worlds is taking place at the Milkhouse (Sm Sr, Sm limited Coed, Lg Sr, Lg Sr unlimited coed), Hollywood Studios (International teams) and Epcot (dance teams). The place will be crowded!!! There is most likely around 250 (guesstimate) teams competitng!!!

I really hope the Special Needs team that got a fully paid bid at Cheersport (KE I beleive) competes at the Milkhouse!!! I want to see them again!!!

I don't plan on going to the parks (my youngest DD is upset) but the crowds will be crazy due to spring break and the cheering teams!!! I plan to sit my butt at OKW pool and head out to the Milkhouse to watch Stephanie compete!!! There are quite a few teams competing at the Milkhouse, that seating is going to be crazy!!!! The Sm Sr and Sm Unlimited Coed divisions will take 8 hours to finish on day 1!!! That is alot of teams!!!

Tryouts for Stephanie are next month. She has to schedule a private tryout as the dates of tryouts are her junior prom weekend!!! The gym is fine with that and are scheduling a time for her. I like how everyone must tryout each year regardless!! Gives them practice for when they have to tryout for college.

When is evreryone else's tryouts??? Wishing all your cheerleaders good luck and hope they are placed on a team where they will be challenged enough to make them strive to be their best but not so much as to shut them down!!!