CheerZone Team Spotlight is on the Gymsport Marvels

Let’s hear it for the Gymsport Marvels, CheerZone’s Spotlight Team for July 2010!

Gym Name: Gymsport

Team Name: Knockouts

Mascot: Marvels

Gym Colors: Black, red, purple and gold

Team Motto: Make it personal…power up!!!

Recent Achievements: 2nd place at Jamfest Nationals Pittsburgh

Favorite Cheerleading Trend: Uniforms with shorts instead of skirts

What you’re looking forward to most for 2010: Getting a new look for our squad as well as bringing in more team members for a bigger and better team

Gymsport is located outside of Pittsburgh, PA in Bridgeville, PA. It is the oldest competitive gym in the area. Feel free to visit their website at www.gymsportgems.com!

Like

Unlike

Cheerleading and Uniforms In The 1960’s

Cheerleading uniforms really started to change in the 1960’s. NFL teams started adding professional cheerleading teams.

Long wool skirts were replaced with knee length cotton skirts, allowing for comfort and ease of movement. Short sleeved crewneck sweaters replaced long cardigans or a collared shirt with some sort of vest or apron.

However, the megaphone emblem or school name/letters would stay and saddle shoes were still the preferred footwear.

Like

Unlike

Cheerleading Camp Wear Buying Guide

The season for cheerleading camp is underway. Your coach has probably already picked your team and chosen a camp. Now you need to pack your campwear. What will you be wearing? Will your team be wearing one unified look our will you be choosing campwear that reflects your own personal style? Here is a list of the basic necessities you will need for camp and a few of our own favorites for this cheerleading camp season.

Uniforms
Shell – For a pulled together look, your team may want a campwear uniform. These cheerleading uniforms are made of a sturdy but lightweight material and come in basic styles and colors. These uniforms are inexpensive and are perfect for camp. These cheer shells can also be embroidered for customization.

Polo – For a campwear uniform look that is more casual, a polo shirt is a great option. Usually in white, these tops have contrasting collars and trim in team colors and can also be embroidered for personalization.

Our picks:

Cheerleading Basic Shell 00410

Cheerleading Sleeveless Polo 00104

Shirts
Tees – This campwear staple does not need to be limited to a plain white tee anymore! Styles include a relaxed fit or fitted styles in all one color or with contrasting collars and/or sleeves. Tees are available plain and also with print or embroidery, with everything from a modern cheer print to a custom design featuring your school initials or team’s names.

Tanks – The perfect look for summer and more popular than ever before. Tank tops can be plain or printed and can also be customized for your cheerleading team. For a splash of color, try layering tanks in contrasting colors!

Hoodies – Hooded sweatshirts are the perfect addition for comfort and warmth. Hoodies come in a variety of styles that are sure to be a hit with any cheerleader!

Our Picks:

Fitted Cheerleading Tee

Cheerleading Ringer Halter 608

Fitted Cheerleading Tank

Spirit Stamp Tank 5658

Cropped Cheerleading Hoodie

Shorts/Skirts
Skirts & Skorts – Campwear skirts are also made of a sturdy but lightweight material and come in a variety of styles and colors. These pair well with campwear shells, polos and tees and give a more classic look. Cheerleading briefs are usually worn underneath skirts, however skorts have built in shorts that eliminate the need for bodywear.

Shorts – Shorts are always a perfect choice for any cheerleader. Cheer shorts come in a wide variety of styles with various lengths, fabric, designs and colors. Cheer shorts look great with polos, tees or tanks.

Our Picks:

3-Pleat Camp Skirt 00420

Dolphin Cheerleading Short 4517

Low Rise Mini Mesh Short 461V

Raw Edge Short K41

Bodywear/Socks
Briefs – Cheerleading briefs will be a necessity if you are wearing a skirt. Briefs are made of a breathable material in regular or boycut styles and with either a regular or low rise. They also come in a wide variety of finishes and colors.

Bras – Don’t forget a sports bra! Proper support and breathability are a must so make sure you have a good cheerleading bra.

Socks – Mini Socks, Anklets and Tube Socks are all favorites of cheerleaders. For basic practice, a mini sock or anklet is recommended. However for a fun twist try a knee high tube sock. All socks come in assorted colors to coordinate with your campwear look.

Our Picks:

Low Rise Brief 00139

Boy Cut Brief 00433

Nude Cheer Bra 261

Chevron Cheerleading Sock 2796

Knee High Tube Socks 22T

Shoes
Cheer Shoes – The most important campwear is a pair of good supportive cheerleading shoes. There are many brands and styles to choose from. No matter what shoes your team wears during performance, you will want an alternate pair for camp and workouts so your good shoes stay clean and white.

Flip Flops – Your feet need rest too and a pair of cheer flip flops will do just that!

Our Picks:

Asics Gel-Inspire IIQ064Y

Nike Air Boom II 395749

Nfinity Evolution ED-6091

1 person likes this post.

Unlike

Cheerleading and Uniforms In The 1940’s and 1950’s

In 1948, the National Cheerleaders Association (NCA) was formed by Lawrence “Herkie” Herkimer as a way of enabling cheerleading clinics. The first clinic was held in 1949 and within the next 15 years, workshops were held nationwide by college cheerleaders, teaching high school cheerleaders the basic skills. Herkimer also founded the Herkie jump and the Cheerleading & Danz Team uniform supply company. He also began the tradition of the spirit stick, a special stick awarded to cheer teams who convey genuine enthusiasm and attitude.

By the late 1950’s, women were just as active in cheerleading as men. Uniforms were evolving and usually included a sweater or polo shirt with H.S. (High School) sewn on the front or upper corner, long wool skirts and saddle shoes. Pom Poms also made their debut, as did megaphones.

Like

Unlike

Cheerleading Camp – How to Choose the Best Camp for your Cheer Team

If your team is considering attending a cheerleading camp, you are probably aware of the many options out there. Which camp should you choose? Take a look at your team. What level are they at? What are their strengths and weaknesses? Where could they use improvement? What are your goals for your team? What are you hoping to get out of the cheer camp experience? Once you have answered these basic questions, it is time to start searching for possible cheer camps. Here is a guide to help you in selecting the best cheerleading camp for your team.

Cheerleading Camp Types:
Resident camps – Attending these cheerleading camps involves staying at the camp location day and night for an extended period.

Commuter camps – These cheer camps will require participants to travel to the camp on a daily basis for the length of the camp dates.

Day camps – Day camps are held for one day only.

Clinics – These cheerleading camps usually involve the instructors coming to the location of the team.

Cheerleading Camps for Cheer Squad types:
All-stars – The most demanding type, all-star cheerleading camps focus on more advanced skills and will be more intense than the other camps.

Scholastic – These cheer camps are going to focus on the skills used for cheerleading in schools and colleges.

Recreation – Teams that cheer for recreation, or are looking for a more relaxed and fun camp should consider this type.

Co-ed – Not all cheerleading camps offer programs for co-ed teams so this is very important to consider when choosing where to go if you have a co-ed team.

Factors to Consider:
Curriculum – Take a close look at what each camp offers and whether it meets the needs of your cheerleading team. Consider your team’s skill levels, what the camp emphasizes, and how your team will benefit from each. Does your cheer team need to further their jumping or stunting skills? Are you just in need of fresh ideas for routines and cheers? Does your squad need more emphasis on team building?

Location or Travel – Some cheer camps may be close by and some will be further away. Consider the location, especially for commuter camps, as this can be an obstacle for some team members.

Cost – Expensive is not necessarily better so do research and consider only those camps that are truly affordable for your cheer team. Plan ahead of time and do some fundraisers to help with costs as well.

Dates – Cheerleading camp dates will vary, as the length of camp does too. Look for a camp that is held at a time that is feasible for your team.

Like

Unlike

Cheerleading Camp – Getting the Most Out of the Camp Experience

Cheerleading camp is a great experience for both new and experienced cheerleaders. Not only is it a great time to learn fresh cheers and new stunts but also to improve skills and learn team building. Camp will be a busy time and it is important to get as much out of it as possible. Here we will help you learn how to do just that.

Deciding whether camp is right for your squad
Cheer camp can be a great experience for cheer teams but it may not be right for all teams. Many things must be taken into consideration when deciding whether to attend camp: your squad’s abilities, your financial resources and your team’s goals for the next year.

Advantages
New team members will get a chance to bond with their team in a fun environment
Your team will learn new skills and cheers as well as improve on old ones
Camp will provide your squad with safety training in tumbling and stunting
Teams will be able to build trust and teamwork

Disadvantages
Camp can be very costly and some members may not be able cover the costs
Camp is competitive which is great for experienced teams and those preparing for competition but not necessarily for new teams
Cheer camps require that your squad be in good shape and very athletic, not all squads are such

How to prepare
Pay attention. Be ready to listen because there will be a lot of information coming your way. Taking notes is always a good idea and your team can refer to them later, if need be. Use some stylish cheer stationary to stand out! If at any time you have questions, do not be afraid to ask. Chances are you will not be the only one with that question so stand out and be the one to ask!

You will receive criticism but do not take it personally. Feedback allows us to learn where we can improve and helps us become a better, stronger team.

Camps generally offer competitions or contests. It is in your best interest to participate in these as much as possible. Doing so will give you practice in performing in front of an audience. It may even be your first chance to compete as a team!

It is essential to get into shape before you go to camp. While at camp you will spend many hours a day doing warm ups, working out, cheering, learning new routines and tumbling as well as practicing stunts. If you are not in shape before attending camp you will increase your risk of injury and a lot of pain. So, before you go, be sure to exercise regularly and stretch often. Try a Mae Flyer and Stunt Strap to help improve your exercises. Try a good workout video to keep you motivated. Don’t forget to eat healthy too!

You will be spending your time at camp with your team, day in and day out. Sometimes this can be too much closeness and tempers may flare. Do not bring any ill feelings toward another member to camp and think before you act. Give everyone a chance to prove themselves. Remember, you are all working toward the same goal and the only way to do so successfully is as a team.

What to expect
Team building is a big part of cheerleading camp. If you have any new members on your team, consider having some team activities before camp to allow the squad to get acquainted with each other and earn each others trust. Team members also need to learn to think of themselves as a team and one way do encourage this is to wear matching camp shirts and/or cheer accessories to camp.

Cheer camp is a lot of work and can leave even the most fit cheerleader exhausted at the end of the day. You need to be fit to keep up with the rigorous activities and to prevent injury. Common sense and knowledge of safety precautions will prevent you or any of your team members from being sidelined before your cheer season even begins. Throughout the days activities don’t get dehydrated. Keep a water bottle with you at all times!

Camp will offer many competitions which can prove to be very helpful to your team. Competition lets you know where your strengths are and where your team needs to improve. Remember that this criticism is good and is meant to help your team so keep cool and use this valuable tool.

Don’t forget that there will also be a lot of fun activities too!

What to take
Make your list and check it twice! Make sure you have packed your cheer bag with all your essentials. Your coach will provide you with a list of things that you will need such as your camp shorts and skirts, camp shirts, ankle socks, and cheer briefs. Make sure everything fits properly before you go; nothing too tight or too loose and only your most comfortable cheer shoes.

Don’t forget a few essentials that may not be on your coach’s list: hair accessories, sunglasses, wristbands, a cheer survival kit, sleeve scrunchies, a first aid kit and a mini fan. You will also want to bring a notebook and pen for notes. Don’t forget your camera either! Do not bring any valuables. You will be too busy to watch over them. Besides, jewelry and accessories will just be in the way. Don’t forget a tag for your bag in case it gets lost.

What you will get out of it
At camp, your team will learn a lot of new cheers and stunts. You will master basic skills and perfect new ones as well. These new skills will be the base for your team to build your own cheers and routines.

By the end of camp, you will have spent the entire time with your team. You will come back not just as a team but as friends. You will also have made some great memories that are worth all the hard work.

Like

Unlike

CZ Team Spotlight: Mayville Wildcats

Team Spotlight: Mayville High School Cheerleaders
Location: Mayville, MI
Mascot: Wildcats
School Colors: Maroon & White
Motto: With hard work & determination anything is possible!
Favorite Cheer Trend: “We recently switched to “show” pom’s and love them!
And, we ordered them from Cheer Zone!” -Coach Valentine

Let’s hear it for the Mayville Wildcat Cheerleaders! We’ve chosen our very own Mayville cheerleaders to kick off the CZ Team Spotlight where we feature a team who deserves a moment in the spotlight for their recent achievements. The JV & Varsity teams along with Coach Chloe Valentine have proven that with hard work and determination anything can be possible.

Recent Achievement: A combination of 15 members of the JV & Varsity cheer teams were 1 out of 12 high schools chosen across the US to perform in this years Gator Bowl halftime show in Jacksonville, Florida on January 1st, 2010. The girls had to raise $20,000 in order to go, talk about fundraising! The ladies were put to the test performing in front of 87,000 college football fans! Great job girls! See their performance below:

Looking forward to in 2010: We recently helped with a community wide Easter Egg Hunt. It was a lot of fun! Our community was so kind and supportive of our fundraising efforts for our trip, we want to say THANK YOU by doing a few community projects as a way to give back. We are looking forward to cheering for our favorite teams again and simply representing our community and school in a positive way. We are PROUD to be Mayville Wildcats!!! -Coach Valentine

Other Resources/News:
ABC Local New Video
Connect Mid Michigan
Mayville Cheer Website
Mayville Cheer You Tube Page

2 people like this post.

Unlike

Cheerleading Coaches – Choosing Your Team at Tryouts

It is time for cheerleading tryouts and you will soon be choosing the new cheerleaders for your team. You want only the best since you want your team to shine. You have great plans for your cheer team this year and you need to find the cheerleaders that will be able to work together to achieve those goals. You know that you are looking for girls that will fit in with the style of your team. But what exactly is it that you should be watching for at cheerleading tryouts?

Appearance
The cheerleaders that you choose will portray an image that reflects greatly on your team.
Watch for cheerleaders who have a neat and clean appearance with minimal makeup and properly fitting clothing. Does the cheerleader portray the image you want to put forth?

Voice
One of the most important tools that a cheerleader possesses is her voice. Listen for cheerleaders who know how to yell in a loud, solid voice without screeching or singing. Does the cheerleader enunciate well?

Enthusiasm
Does the cheerleader have a lot of enthusiasm? A cheerleader’s voice should reflect the spirit of the team.
Does she smile? A cheerleader should smile regardless of how nervous, or frustrated she is.
The cheerleader should look like she is having fun out there.

Attitude & Personality
Attitude is probably the most important thing to watch for. A cheerleader with a poor attitude will never be a committed team player and will not reflect the spirit of your team. Look for a cheerleader that is outgoing, confident and friendly. Someone who does not give up easily and continues on with her head held high, even after making mistakes, will be a major asset to your team.

Willing to Try New Things
All the cheerleaders on your team will have to be open to trying new things, whether it is new dance moves or more advanced stunts. Watch for cheerleaders who are not afraid and will be willing to put forth the effort into trying something that they have never seen or done before, even if they may not succeed at it right away. A cheerleader that can do only a few stunts but tries hard to learn the new ones is more valuable than the cheerleader who can do many stunts but is unwilling to improve them or learn more.

Leadership
Watch for cheerleaders who are not afraid to take control of a situation and are willing to initiate things, not just be a follower.

Team Work
Team work is extremely important as you need your team to work well together. Watch how the cheerleader interacts with others. Does she help another cheerleader out who was having trouble or does she stand aside and mock the teammate? Does the cheerleader speak of “I” or “we”? Does she interact with the other teammates or wish the other girls good luck?

Versatility
A cheerleader who is versatile and can perform many functions within the team is quite valuable. Can the cheerleader be a base or a flier, or is she capable of doing either?

Tumbling & Stunts
If your team will be tumbling and/or stunting, have a minimum level in mind that each cheerleader must meet. Should they know how to do a back handspring? If the cheerleader has not mastered this, how willing is she to try to do so. What you are looking for and what each cheerleader needs to know is up to you and the needs of your team.

Commitment
Look for cheerleaders who are knowledgeable. If you cheer for a school or sports team, look for cheerleaders who have a basic knowledge of the game and also perform well academically as grades may be a factor in the cheerleader being allowed to cheer. Also, look for cheerleaders who are going to be committed. Be up front about all commitments of not only practices and games but any competitions, camps, and community or school activities. It is also important to make the cheerleader aware of any financial commitments that may be necessary. Be sure that the cheerleader is able, and willing, to fulfill these commitments.

Taking the time to thoroughly evaluate each person trying out for the cheerleading squad can really determine the success of your team. Try not to rush your tryouts. Hold tryouts over a span of several days for the best results.

2 people like this post.

Unlike