Give a cheer for the cheerleaders
by Alex Johnson, posted April 7, 2009
The MU spirit squad is currently preparing to compete against colleges around the nation in the National Cheerleading Association competition in Daytona Beach, Fla. Due to their increase in skill level, the squad is hoping to place higher this year than last year. The competition takes place April 9-10, but the team has already began working on their routine composed of gymnastic, cheerleading and dance skills that will be performed while competing for a national title.
"Last year's team was very strong, and we knew we did the best we could with what we had to once again place in the top 10," said senior Shannon Wylie, cheerleading captain. "We would have liked to have placed higher, and this year we have even more to bring to the competition and hopefully can place in the top five."
Compared to last year's competing squad, this year’s squad has more athletes who have competed in national cheerleading competitions before and already have competing experience. Some members of the team see this as an advantage and a disadvantage.
"Another thing that has been challenging is the number of freshman we have this year,” Wylie said. “They are laying a foundation and standard for upcoming classes to meet when wanting to become an MU cheerleader. However, competing at a collegiate level is a lot different that all-star and high school competitions. I hope all of the freshman on the mat can stay focused and continue working hard to make this a good experience for themselves and everyone."
Team members and coach alike agree that preparing for the competition brings all new challenges to the squad.
"I don't think people realize the time and the commitment the cheerleaders put in," said Suzy Thompson, MU cheerleading coach and mascot coordinator. "If people would come to practice and see what we do, they would be shocked because we make it look so easy but it is hard work and a big time commitment."
A majority of the members of the competing squad are first-year students at MU. The squad members have to balance their time commitment to the competition, cheering for games and academic work. One challenge that remains is harnessing the potential in each new member. Even though the squad is composed of more first-year NCA competitors than before, they remain hopeful and look forward to years to come.
They are devoting more time to competing in the NCA competition, however the squad has not forgotten about why they are cheerleaders to begin with.
"I don't look at it as coaching a nationals team, I look at it as coaching the University of Missouri," Thompson said. "The cheerleaders are the greatest ambassadors we have for the university."
