Archive for June, 2008

Stranahan in the record books for cheerleading

June 26th, 2008 Comments Off

From a story in the Sun-Sentinel.com

Cheerleading made history this season as it became a recognized sport by the Florida High School Athletic Association.

And in the first state championships, held at FAU in Boca Raton, Stranahan was the highest-placing Broward County squad with its second-place finish in the Non-tumbling, Extra Large Varsity Division.

Stranahan Principal Deborah Owens said cheerleaders are traditionally the unsung heroes of sports.

“There is no end to their season,” Owens said. “They perform year-round in good or stormy weather. They support the teams through their wins and losses.

Read the full article…

Technorati Tags: , ,

MICHIGAN CHEER COACH TO BE HONORED FOR SAVING CHEERLEADER’S LIFE

June 25th, 2008 Comments Off
The NCSF present the Ashley Marie Burns National Cheer Safety Award of Excellence
IRVINE, CA (JUNE 16, 2008) – As a part of National Safety Month, the National Cheer Safety Foundation has selected South Lyon High School cheerleading coach Jen Combest to receive the First Annual Ashley Marie Burns National Cheer Safety Award of Excellence. Ms. Combest was selected by the NCSF Awards Committee after her heroic efforts helped save the life of 17 year old cheerleader Katie Martin on April 24, 2008 at a school sponsored cheer clinic. After Katie went into cardiac arrest, Ms. Combest within moments began CPR, summons for help from school officials who then called 911 and continued CPR until police, fire and emergency personnel could arrive. Once on the scene, emergency personnel used an Automated External Defibrillator to reestablish an effective heart rhythm for Katie. Ms. Martin has had a remarkable recovery being able to attend her high school graduation last Saturday. She will return to South Lyon High School in the fall to assist the Junior Varsity cheerleading coach.

“We are grateful to Jen and to everyone who played a role in saving Katie’s life. Jen is an amazing coach and an inspiration to young people. She would have done the same thing for any of the cheerleaders. We could not be more proud of the award the National Cheer Safety Foundation has given to Jen,” replied Katie’s mom, Donna Martin after hearing about the honor.
Ashley Marie Burns’ mother, Ruth Burns will present the award named in honor of her daughter at the South Lyons Community Schools Board of Education Meeting on June 16, 2008. Ashley Burns passed away on August 9, 2005 from internal injuries sustained during an attempted double down from an arabesque while cheering for the Medford High Mustangs. The National Cheer Safety Foundation named the award in honor of Ashley Burns and her legacy. Executive Director of the National Cheer Safety Foundation, Kimberly Archie will also be present.
“I am honored to present an award in honor of my daughter Ashley to Jen Combest. Ashley would be so proud to have her name affiliated with such an outstanding coach!” responded Ruth Burns of Medford, MA. Ms. Burns is one of the Founding Families of the National Cheer Safety Foundation.
In conjunction with the award, the National Cheer Safety Foundation released the National Safety Committee’s recommended “Rehearsed Catastrophic Injury Emergency Routine for Competitive Cheerleading Programs”. The plan is a step by step guide for cheer programs in case of a catastrophic injury. Parents, coaches and school administrators can download a PDF version of the emergency plan at www.nationalcheersafety.com free of charge.
“The award, Jen Combest and the Rehearsed Catastrophic Injury Emergency Plan work together in harmony to send a bold message to everyone involved in youth sports – Being prepared for a catastrophic injury is worth the money and the effort! Just ask the Martin family,” Kimberly Archie, Executive Director of the National Cheer Safety Foundation.

The NCSF acknowledges and congratulates Jen Combest for her outstanding efforts in a catastrophic emergency. We also extend our congratulations to the Michigan Cheerleading Coaches Association, Competitive Cheer Coaches of Michigan and the Michigan High School Athletic Association for their continued efforts in sports safety. Michigan is one of only 8 states that recognize competitive cheerleading as a sport and is governed by their state athletic association. Michigan’s rich history of cheerleading, coaches training and safety first mentality are worthy of additional accolades. Additional heroes include South Lyon Police Officer John Tomanek, South Lyon Police Chief Lloyd Collins, Millennium Middle School Principal Maureen Altermatt, Millennium Middle School Teacher John Brickey, South Lyon Fire Chief Craig Kaska and the Huron Valley Ambulance.

The press and public are welcome to attend.
Award Presentation Information:
June 16, 2008 at 7:15 pm
Administrative Building
South Lyon Community Schools
345 South Warren
South Lyon, MI
(248)573-8170
School District Contact:
Melissa Meister
Assistant Superintendent for Administrative Services

As the nation’s premier cheerleading safety organization, the National Cheer Safety Foundation (NCSF) is raising the bar in cheer safety awareness throughout the United States and has working partnerships with the National Center for Catastrophic Injury Research and the National Center for Sports Safety. For more information on the only not-for-profit educational organization for cheer parents, visit www.nationalcheersafety.com .

Technorati Tags: , , ,

NCSSE Partners with American Red Cross and Respect in Sport USA

June 24th, 2008 Comments Off

NCSSE press release:
ncsse logo
Enterprise, AL-(June 24, 2008)- The National Council for Spirit Safety and Education (NCSSE) has forged a partnership with CrossConfirm, an authorized provider of the American Red Cross, to endorse and offer its Respect in Sport USA program to all coaches in NCSSE constituent organizations. Respect in Sport USA (www.RespectInSportUSA.com) is an internationally recognized program that educates coaches and protects youth athletes in the areas of bullying, harassment, neglect and various forms of abuse. Respect in Sport USA is delivered via the American Red Cross’ world-class online distance learning platform, which trains individuals in all 50 states and 34 countries around the world.

“We are absolutely thrilled that the NCSSE is once again taking the lead in protecting youth athletes. We are proud to be working with them, and fully expect that more organizations will follow the NCSSE’s example,” said Kent Burns, Founder and President of CrossConfirm.

Debbie Bracewell, Executive Director of the NCSSE, added, “We are excited to be working with the American Red Cross and Respect in Sport in this joint endeavor to enhance cheerleading safety and coaching education. This program addresses risk management, maltreatment, and abuse prevention thus giving our coaches the skills to become proactive in recognizing these problems and making the team environment safer.”


Celebrating its fifth year as a leader in cheer safety certification, the National Council for Spirit Safety and Education (NCSSE) has become the international source for quality education and certification for cheerleading coaches. This recognition has prompted a continuous growth and outreach crossing all borders by certifying over 10,000 coaches in cheerleading safety. As a non-profit organization dedicated to teaching coaches of all levels the basics of safety as it relates to the athletic activity of cheerleading, the NCSSE continues to expand its must protect themselves and their athletes through education and prudent implementation of safe practices.
CrossConfirm, LLC whose mission is the protection and advancement of youth sports is an authorized provider for the American Red Cross (www.RedCrossOnlineTraining.org). Its online training portfolio includes First Aid for Coaches, Universal Precautions (blood safety), and Pandemic Preparedness. For additional details regarding safety in youth athletics, please visit http://www.respectinsportusa.com/documents/ris_factbook.doc
If you would like more information, please contact Kent Burns at 866-255-1999 ext 703 or Debbie Bracewell at 866-456-2773.

Technorati Tags: , ,

Cheerleading team for Special Olympians

June 23rd, 2008 Comments Off

Cincinnati.com has an article about the Spirit of Kentucky All-Star Cheer and Dance gym which is looking for a Special Olympics Kentucky competitive cheerleading team.

The team goal is to provide an athletic activity that otherwise may not be available, develop self-confidence, responsibility, meet new friends and have fun.

For more information, call Jeanie Foley at 859-283-0444 or e-mail

Read the full story….

Technorati Tags: , ,

Hardworking Male Cheerleaders Are Getting Noticed

June 19th, 2008 Comments Off

From an article on KUTV’s website

These days, the face if cheerleading is changing. Boys are joining cheerleading squads in greater numbers than ever before. And it’s definitely not a sport for wimps.

“It’s non-stop running, lifting, throwing girls up in the air… not just a little baseball,” said Rikko Uroza, a high school baseball player who switched to cheerleading. “You have to be tough.”

“Every college is looking for a guy. Guys are money,” said Jarred Katter, who received a cheerleading scholarship to Weber State University. “If you cheer, you’ve got it made.”

Read the full article….

Technorati Tags: ,

Reanna Terrel Earns Spot with Oregon State After Intense Tryout

June 19th, 2008 Comments Off

From an article in The Chronicle online.

Reanna Terrel is doing what most athletes at Rochester High School will never experience — tasting the competition at the NCAA Division I level.

After an impressive cheerleading career at Rochester, not to mention major success with the Washington Spirit Elite — an All-Star cheer team — Terrel is taking her talent to Oregon State University.

“I’m really excited, because I’m one of the few students at Rochester to be an athlete at a Division I program,” she said. “I’ve heard from a lot of people that I’ll be the first athlete to accomplish that in a long time.”

Read the full story…

Technorati Tags: ,

Cheerleader breaks new ground

June 17th, 2008 Comments Off

From an article in the 9 News online edition in Colorado.

Megan Bomgaars is a freshman on the Evergreen cheer squad. Her coach, Tammy Dufford, says the Colorado High School Sports Association told her Bomgaars is the first cheerleader with Down Syndrome to compete in a local mainstream competition.

At the Jeffco Spirit Invitational at Columbine High School on Wednesday, Megan was front and center.

Midway through the Evergreen routine, when other cheerleaders lifted Megan to the top of their formation, the crowd exploded with loud applause.

Read the full story…

Technorati Tags: , , ,

What do college coaches look for?

June 17th, 2008 Comments Off

The Ups and Downs of a Cheerleading Coach has a very informative write up on what college coaches look at when evaluating talent for their cheerleading teams. Including how well you cheer/stunt but not limited to your physical abilities.

But talent only is one element in the equation. An athlete’s makeup, character and interpersonal relationships with teammates, parents and coaches speak volumes.

And there is one thing that stands out above all else.

If you’re a lazy student, then why would anyone want to take you as a player? There is no reason for you not to work hard and work smart. You have to ask if you’re a leader or a follower. There are plenty of followers in the classroom.

Read the full post….

Technorati Tags: , ,

Coaches: cheerleading more than learning moves, wearing skirts

June 12th, 2008 Comments Off

From an article in the Free Press

They instruct. They counsel. They patch up scrapes and bruises. Then bust a move in between.

It’s all part of the daily agenda for each of the eight middle school cheerleading coaches who, with their teams, wrapped up three days of activity Wednesday at the Mesa County Junior Cheer Association’s annual summer camp held at Canyon View Park.

“When people think of cheerleading, they might just think of wearing a skirt and jumping around on the sidelines. That is not what (cheerleading) is,” Mount Garfield Broncos coach Sage Wethington explained. “Its a lot of hard work to learn all these cheers and all these dances. They stand out in the hot sun for hours. We’re working seven to eight hours a day, nonstop. People think (cheerleading’s) such an easy sport. There’s a lot of risk involved. It takes a lot of focus. People don’t realize how much hard work there is for these girls.”

Read the full story…

Technorati Tags: , ,

Andover cheerleaders coach Special Olympics team

June 12th, 2008 Comments Off

From an article in the Eagle-Tribune

For the past couple of months, seven Andover High School varsity cheerleaders have patiently coached a team of 12 girls with a variety of learning and physical disabilities — everything from Down syndrome to autism and Prader-Willi syndrome.

They are disabilities that would normally exclude a child from the cheering squad, but have instead brought the girls together in an Andover driveway every Sunday afternoon to master the pompoms as the state’s only Special Olympics cheerleading team

Read the full story…

Technorati Tags: ,

Next Page »

Cheerleading Sites
© WebRing Inc.
Cheerleading Sites
Prev | Ring Hub | Join | Rate| Next