Everyone knows the difference between seasonal sports. However, not everyone knows that the West Chester cheerleaders are active during three out of the four seasons. In order to get ready for their eight-month stretch, they must devote a lot of time for preparation.
Beginning in the first week of August, the Golden Rams attended the Universal Cheerleaders Association (UCA) College Cheerleading Camp. UCA camp is held at the University of Scranton, where West Chester is joined by a number of their Division II rivals, along with many other universities as well.
After the four-day camp, the West Chester cheerleaders came home with many awards, including two first-place trophies, a second-place trophy, countless superior ribbons, a leadership award, which is voted on by the other universities in their division, an award for outstanding university traditions and the most prestigious, the collegiate award. The collegiate award is voted on by the UCA Staff. The staff chooses who they believe sets an example for their division and exhibits the attributes of a college cheerleading team. All in all, the West Chester cheerleading program sets the bar high for its fellow universities attending the UCA camp.
After getting a short break, the cheerleaders got ready for their second preseason event - leading a high school camp in Bucks County. During those three days, the West Chester girls choreographed their routine, helped them improve their stunts, and prepared them for the upcoming football season.
The next and final camp is when the Golden Rams are ready to get serious. Starting August 24th, they practiced from sun up to sun down to prepare for the football season opener at Lock Haven on Aug. 27. However, even though the football team received a win against the Bald Eagles, the cheerleaders still had to report to practice Friday morning.
During that week, the girls practiced difficult stunts, drilled sidelines and motions and endured forms of cardio to get ready for the upcoming season.
"This is the prime time we have to prepare for football season," stated team co-captain Christina DeLeo. "This week helps us get ready to undergo a three-hour game, while still fulfilling the expectations of a cheerleader on the track.”
Even after the exhausting month of preseason, the West Chester cheerleaders still practice two times a week along with alternating practice days with 6:00 a.m. workout sessions. According to senior co-captain Tiera Kerr,
“Altogether, we devote four days a week to improving our performance and endurance," added senior co-captain Tiera Kerr. "However, that does not include the weekend game or our weekly locker room decorating session. We want the boys to know we support them, and we hope that maybe a little candy and Gatorade does the trick!”
The cheerleaders not only dedicate their time during football season, but also all the way up until mid March. The cheerleaders are present at all the men's and women's basketball games at home. Even though the cheerleaders attend a handful of basketball games a week, the majority of the team still manages to obtain spots on the honor roll each semester.
Overall, the West Chester cheerleaders are dedicated and esteemed. The Golden Rams devote a lot of time to the program and plenty of support to other athletic teams. Their commitment and enthusiasm is a key factor in what makes the cheerleading program a huge success.
