THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, December 6, 1995 TAG: 9512050132
SECTION: VIRGINIA BEACH BEACON PAGE: 14 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: Lee Tolliver
LENGTH: Medium: 57 lines
Many in the sporting community don't see cheerleading as a viable member of their society.
Why not?
Cheering has all of the elements of many athletic endeavors and - in some cases - is more physically challenging than others.
I, myself, once figured cheering news belonged on newspaper pages other than the sports section. My feelings have changed and I apologize to those involved in the SPORT for any past buck-passings.
Maybe it's time some attitudes changed.
Look at some of the evidence why.
Skills involved in today's high-flying, dance-laden cheering routines are more than a little similar to those in sports like gymnastics.
Just check out some of the lifts, tosses and pyramids implemented and tell me it doesn't take strength and balance.
And like many of today's specialized sports, there are camps and schools and competitions galore.
While many athletes see cheerleaders as nothing more than a support group during their events, maybe they should look at the talent it takes to become one of today's top-of-the-line cheerleaders.
Like their football or basketball counterparts, cheerleaders can compete for scholarships offered by several of the nation's top collegiate programs.
Virginia Beach schools have begun to field some of the best cheerleaders in the country - with several youngsters being chosen at summer camps as All-Stars by various cheering associations.
Because of their efforts, seven were chosen to compete in the London New Year's Parade. Kellam is sending three from its squad to the Hula Bowl, while a pair from Bayside just returned from the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.
And a team from Catholic High recently surprised even themselves by finishing second in the 16-18 age division of an elite All-Star level competition last weekend at Christopher Newport.
Hey, whether you want to believe it or not, this is big-time stuff here.
While it might not rival the efforts of a football team winning the state championship, it is important in its own right.
Times are changing, folks. And while many diehards will never change, at least the rest of us can lend our support. ILLUSTRATION: Recita Fielding of Ocean Lakes High School is one of seven Beach
school cheerleaders who were chosen as summer camp all-stars to
compete in the London New Year's Parade.
Courtney Jarrett, left, a senior, and Lisa Riddlehover, a junior,
are Bayside High co-captains who participated in the Macy's
Thanksgiving Day parade in New York.
by CNB