Definition of cheerleading ends common misperceptions
By: Folasade Omogun
Issue date: 11/5/08 Section: Sports
|
"We try to really get the spirit going for big games," Candace Cliatt said, a second year cheerleader.
After 10 minutes of stretching, the squad began their daily three mile run.
"We run to get our stomachs flat so that we can fit in our uniforms,"said Adrienne Walker, a fifth year graduate student and captain of the cheerleading squad.
The cheerleading squad, which practices five times a week, knows the importance of endurance and strength.
On Monday's the squad starts their weekly practice by hitting the weight room for an hour and running for 30 minutes. Throughout the week, the squad does endurance training including, a three mile route around the Atlanta University Center (AUC), a 30 minute run up and down the stadium bleachers, or an 18 lap run on the track.
"This prepares them for the four quarters they have to cheer during the games," said Valerie Jordan, the adviser and head coach of the cheerleading squad. "You have to make sure you're in some type of shape to get out there."
Jordan admitted many girls were not prepared to work as hard as she planned. At the beginning of the year, there were 26 girls on the squad. After the first week of practice, the squad dropped to 21.
"For many girls it's a big transition from high school," Jordan said.
In order to be a member of the squad, girls are required to have experience in stunning, sharp motions and placement, tumbling, cheering and dancing.
"I didn't practice this hard everyday and I didn't run three miles in high school," said Cliatt. " I had to get use to it."
As the sun began to set on a windy evening, the squad remained in the stadium. There was no going home until everything was performed perfectly.
"We can make this an 11 o'clock practice," Rhonda Baughn said, the squad's assistant coach.
As hours continued to pass, the squad began practicing stunts such as the "2-1-1." This stunt requires four girls on the bottom, while a girl on each side waits to catch the girl who is tossed in the air. The squad has 15 stunts they showcase during sporting events, and said it takes a lot of hard work as well as patience.
"It's always something new everyday," Walker said.
The CAU cheerleading squad is no stranger to hard work and patience. In the last 12 years, the program has won four competitions in the Black College Cheerleading Advance competition in Atlanta.
In 1998, the squad competed in the National Cheerleading Association (NCA) competition, and placed 15 out of 30 squads. This competition, which welcomes some of the top cheerleading squads in the nation, is one the cheerleading squad hopes to re-attend in April.
"It's good for all Black squads," Jordan said. "A lot of people think Black teams can't compete on a national level."
In April, the cheerleading squad will also host a day clinic, which will give girls interested in joining the squad, an idea of what it really takes to be a cheerleader.
"We hope girls will see that it's competitive," Jordan said. "It's a hard job."
