LAFAYETTE, La. (KLFY) – When you think of underdogs overcoming the odds, you might think of Rudy or maybe Rocky, but now you might think of Ragin Cajuns.
The Ragin Cajun cheerleading squad competes every year in the national league in Orlando, FL against schools from all over the country, including Alabama, Kentucky, Ohio State and LSU. But this year looked a little different…
Jack Richard (cheerleader): “We had two months of preparation time. About half of that time we didn’t have a coach, we had a coach who left us. But we knew nationals was something we really wanted, so we decided we had to make a routine, we had to do something.
The team spent most of the 2 months preparing for the competition working independently to learn the skills needed to compete.
Mayah Olivero (cheerleader): “Our team worked together and showed their determination and their desire to persevere in the face of adversity. And we were on our own as a team and as a family.”
And just 3 weeks before the game… help finally arrived, with coach Annadel McKnight.
Annadel McKnight (Head Cheerleading Coach): “I officially took over on December 16 and we first competed on January 14, so a little less than a month. Many of the teams we compete against had their full routine before Thanksgiving. It’s my first year of peer-level coaching, so we’re all figuring it out together.
In just 3 weeks, the Cajuns were able to complete the routine, travel to Orlando and pull off every stunt in front of the country.
And to make it even better… They ranked 9th in the country
The Ragin Cajuns ranked in the top 10 for the second time in the school’s history.
A milestone that turned a year full of surprises into one that these athletes will never forget.
Annadel McKnight (Head Cheerleading Coach): “For me, I’m just thrilled for the kids. From the first day I walked into that practice I said if a team is going to do something big, this team is it.
Mayah Olivero (cheerleader): “This means everything to me. We overcame adversity that I’ve never heard of a team before.
“Jack Richard (cheerleader): “Annadel was our coach, the team we had, it was like the stars aligned. It was perfect.”
Complete the Online Cheer Squad Application (Step 1) AND follow the QR code or link to complete the Cheer Squad Tryout Google Form (Step 2) BEFORE attending the tryouts. You may bring all other items (physical materials, letters of recommendation, etc.) to the rehearsal if they cannot be sent.
Do you have to tumble to be a college cheerleader?
Generally, top competitive programs around the country attract high-level All-Star cheerleaders with advanced tumbling and stunt skills. To see also : Court of Appeal approves retail sale of man accused of murdering Trinity cheerleader. In addition, most college cheerleaders have mastered the basic skills, jumps, stunts and cheers.
Do you have to be flexible to be on the cheer team? Cheerleaders must be flexible and ideally should have the flexibility close to that of a gymnast. Make sure you work on your flexibility by stretching daily. You can even do this while watching TV, so it shouldn’t take up too much of your time or disrupt your daily routine.
How much should you weigh to be a college cheerleader? Lowry: The average girl is between 4’11 and 5’3 and weighs between 95 and 125 pounds. But it’s not a requirement.
Do you have to flip to be a cheerleader?
Usually you don’t have to tumble, but it can count as extra points. See the article : A 19-year-old cheerleader at Southern University and A&M College has died. So you need to know how to do a backbend, cartwheel, round-off, handstand, and possibly walk on your hands and do a backhand jump.
What do you need to be a cheerleader? Cheerleading Qualities
- physically strong and energetic (it takes a lot of physical work to become a cheerleader)
- confident (cheerleaders stand in front of crowds all the time and must exude positive confidence in themselves and their team)
- good team players (cheerleading is about working together)
Do you have to tumble to be a cheerleader? In college, instead of performing the typical cheer, dance, and toe touch in front of a panel of judges like you would in high school, skills will take center stage. Most colleges require certain stunts to be performed, as well as tumbling.
How do you impress judges at cheer tryouts?
Point those toes! Timing: Judges pay close attention to timing and rhythm of the movements, jumps and dance routine. Smooth transitions from dance routines to stunts, to the cheer itself, are also very important. This may interest you : Henderson County News: HMS’ outstanding children’s teacher is new person of the year. Choreography: judges give extra points for originality and amplitude of movements.
What do cheer coaches look for at tryouts? What Happens at Tryouts: Coaches and captains are looking for new team members who are a good fit for the team. They ask about previous experiences with cheering, dancing and/or gymnastics. If you’ve cheered before, they’ll ask you about stunting and tumbling and may ask you to demonstrate. If you haven’t, don’t be afraid.
How can I impress my cheer coach? 13 ways to make a good impression on your coach
- 1-Be early. Come on time or even early to training sessions and matches. …
- 2-Take short breaks. Be the first to get back on the field after a water break. …
- 3-Prepare. …
- Questions with 4 answers. …
- 5-ask questions. …
- 6-Make eye contact. …
- 7-Use what they learn. …
- 8 bustle.
What do judges look for in cheerleading? Cheerleading judges are trained to look for specific things based on the game they are judging. Some of the points they look at are: the number of tricks or stunts being performed; timing and rhythm; originality; spirit; appearance; unit.
