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Cheerleading Camp Comes to Vergennes

Tuesday August 25, 2009

By Cookie Steponaitis

    On August 8-10th the gymnasium of VUHS was rocking as fifty-three cheerleaders from across Vermont and New York stepped up vocally and physically to learn the latest in the sport of cheerleading. The four time state champions VUHS cheerleading team hosted the National Cheerleading Association summer camp, where the athletes learned the latest techniques in cheer, dance, jumps, and stunting.Even though some of these athletes face each other in state and local competitions, the camaraderie of the athletes and coaches was intense. Learning from some of the nation’s best instructors the days were packed with workouts, chants, cheers and techniques for safe stunting and team building. Host coach Deb Hall remarked, “The coaches received training toward our certification credits and running successful teams; proper stunting techniques and the importance of following National Federation of High School Spirit Rules. While we were getting our training, the teams were trained in captains’ classes, team building, crowd and spirit leading, and game techniques. In addition, we are so excited because this year we learned routines to music that our VUHS Pep Band will be performing with us.”

    While many people in the valley are aware of the success of cheerleading at many local schools, few realize the amount of dedication these athletes put into their sport. Just like soccer, basketball, lacrosse and other sports, many of these cheerleaders attend training and work out all summer.  The VUHS team made the commitment to travel to Rutland, Vermont every Tuesday to attend Peak Performance Gym’s training for stunting and tumbling. In addition, the Commodore team offers local youth cheerleading camps and programs along with the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Vergennes.

    Attending the NCA camp were athletes from Winooski, Moriah Central School, West Rutland, and a brave single cheerleader from Champlain Valley Union High ( who wants to start a program there).Rounding out the attendees were the VUHS Varsity and Middle School teams. One feature of NCA camps that highlight the individual and not the team is the competition for All-American Cheerleader status. These athletes are chosen based on observations by the staff and then compete in a face off during the last day of camp. This year six VUHS cheerleaders: Cynthia Holler, Michaela Sorrell, Katie Viau, Shelby Sheehan, Ashley Martin, and Amanda Cousino shone and were nominated. At the end of the day Ashley Martin and Katie Viau earned top honors and will represent VUHS at the Macy’s Day Parade or the Hawaii vs Navy football game on Thanksgiving Weekend. Other teams earning All-American status were Winooski and Moriah. The top athlete of the camp was VUHS freshman Ashley Martin.

    Not only does it take the dedication of cheerleaders to make a program successful. Varsity Coach Deb Hall again commented on the support of the community , “ We have thank Gaines Insurance for providing the area for our countless car washes, parents who attend all fundraisers, staff at VUHS, Peter Maneen, Principals Ed Webbley and Peter Reynolds and the VUHS Booster Club that continually shows their support.”

    So this winter, when again the stands of the VUHS gymnasium are full to capacity and the chants, cheers and routines of the cheerleaders again are seen, remember this sport, like so many is not seasonal, and those who excel work at it the year round. The state and VUHS really does have something to cheer about.

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