Vol.4.Issue.2.November.2008 - Edgren High School EagleNet

volume 4 issue 2 Far East Issuepage 4Far East Cheerleading Champs!It’s one thing to get to the top; it’s another to stay there.By Heather EilerThis years Far East Cheerleading Competition washeld at Seoul American High School (Seoul, Korea)from November 3rd-November 7th, 2008. This yearwas the ninth year that the cheer camp/competitionhas been run by offi cials and coaches fromthe National Cheerleading Association (NCA).During the athletically intense fi ve-day Far EastCompetition, NCA offi cials taught a variety ofcheers, chants, dances, sidelines, and stunts. Eachteam was evaluated on taught material. However,the fi rst day of evaluation was based on skill abilitiesdemonstrated through home routines. Edgrenpreformed their home-cheer with bold confi dence,sternly stating, “…that trophy we won, we plan todefend. Edgren Eagles, the Far East champs, youthink you can beat us, you can’t!”The home-cheer affords other participatingteams to view the competition. It’s their fi rst glanceat the skill set of other teams. For their home effortsEdgren receives cheer superior ratings, which setthe bar.“Edgren Eagles, theFar East champs, youthink you can beatus....you can’t!”The next day two days of camp consisted of incorporatingtaught cheers and chants with skillsthat appeal to sporting fans. The NCA Staff evaluatedand rewarded accordingly. Edgren continuedto perform at its best.Thursday brought with it “Top-Gun” Competition.This is when teams show-off their stunting, dancing,jumping and tumbling sequences.Edgren competed in each sequence with ErikaWilliamson emerging as the Pacifi c’s Top GunDancer.During the week NCA takes note of various skillsets camp-wide and nominates those exhibitingskill strengths for its All-American Cheer-team. Sixof eight Edgren team members were nominated.Ashley Hawkins, Erika Williamson and Bethany Robinsonwere nominated for jumps, Brianne Soederand Janine Russ for stunting and Heather Eiler forstrong leadership abilities.After four days of camp and late night practicesFriday’s competition had arrived. Coach PamelaTucker and Coach Amber Altizer worked hard toinsure the team was prepared and ready to perform,bringing to life Coach Tucker’s motto: “Cheerhard, or not at all!” Edgren competed in the SmallSchool Division which included Deagu, M.C. Perry,E.J King, and Osan.After all were mounted and stunted, Edgren aroseas the clearly defi ned Class A Small Schools Far EastChampions; a repeat effort! Kinnick High School wascrowned the Large Schools, Class AA Champions.Every girl on the team agrees that winning not onlyonce, but twice could not have been possible withoutCoach Tucker’s knack for team discipline, andCoach Amber’s creative geniusness. Together CoachTucker and Coach Amber have over 30 years cheerknowledge. When asked about her team CoachTucker commented: “This team is clothed with dedication,discipline, and determination. While we arenot as large as our counterparts, nor do we enjoythe edge that comes with having male team members,we understand the importance of a precisionand the signifi cance of skill and we combined theseelements to get the job done! Coach Amber Altizerand I are extremely proud of the way this team executes.Our Edgren Cheer-team has emerged as aformidable force.(Left): Photo 1: The Varsity cheerleading squad with their bannerafter winning their Far East. Photo 2: The cheerleadingsquad at Far East, practicing for one of their evaluations.