Central cheerleaders use summer to prepare for fall

For Central High School's cheerleading squad, this summer meant more than just hanging out. It was a time to brush up their skills, compete at camp and rack up some awards.

Patty Wamble, varsity cheerleading coach, said 20 varsity cheerleaders and 13 freshmen participated in the National Cheerleaders Association Cheerleading Camp at Southeast Missouri State University in July. She said it was probably one of the most successful they've ever participated in.

Mary LeGrand helps with varsity coaching duties, and Lisa Booton is the freshman coach.

Of those attending, 22 were All-American nominees. Selected as All-American were Grace Cook, Jon Daniels, Miccah Davis, Madison Dush, Sierra Jones, Mackenzie Mitchell, Connor Murphy, Morgan Murphy, Conner Porpst, Korinne Pye and De'ja Reddin.

Mackenzie Mitchell was awarded the NCA Top All-American medal for having the highest scoring in All-American tryouts at camp; Davis received the Leadership Award for displaying excellence in leadership throughout camp and Captains' Class.

Also, the varsity and freshmen squads combined to win the Champion Chant Trophy; the freshmen won the Game Time Top Team Trophy; both squads won Technical Excellence certificates, Herkie Team certificates, Stunting SAFE certificates and bids for NCA national events.

Additionally, the teams combined to win the Spirit Award, given to the group that adds the most spirit to camp. The recognition was voted on by all squads attending and they earned spirit sticks each day.

Mitchell and Reddin also were invited to be NCA camp instructors next year and both were ecstatic about that prospect.

"I was overwhelmed by the fact that they wanted me to be on the staff. I was crying, ... but I was happy at the same time," Mitchell said.

"I was really happy, and I felt as if I was a really good cheerleader if they asked me to be an instructor," Reddin said.

Reddin added she thought the cheerleaders represented Central High School well and Davis said they tried hard because this is senior year for some of the squad.

"I think we did really good," Reddin said. "Our school doesn't think of us as a sport, and once we came back, they appreciated it."

"We were trying to make the most of it and give everyone a year to remember," Davis said.

Daniels said the experience also bonded the girls and made them close friends and sisters.

"We achieved a lot of our goals we thought we'd never see on the squad. We proved a lot of people wrong who doubted us," Davis said.

For her part, Wamble said the coaches are extremely proud of the team's accomplishments. "It just shows how hard work pays off," Wamble said.

Practicing in one of the high school gyms Tuesday, Wamble said the group seems raring to go this fall.

"They've worked all summer learning the cheers, so they're ready to cheer at an actual game," she said.

Prospective squad members attend a three-day clinic each spring with tryouts. Teacher evaluations also come into play.

"Besides their skills, they also have to have the grades and the discipline in class, too," Wamble said.

During the summer, the freshmen and varsity squads practice together, but when the season starts, each squad cheers at their own games. They do perform together at events such as pep assemblies and Homecoming.

rcampbell@semissourian.com

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