Tag Archives: Cheerleading competition

Events, Featured, Results

2024 UCA National High School Cheerleading Championship Results (searchable)

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2024 UCA National High School Cheerleading Championship Results
14
Feb
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By Steve Pawlyk

Published February 14, 2024

The electricity in the air at the 2024 UCA National High School Cheerleading Championship last weekend was palpable, as top cheerleading teams from across the nation gathered at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at The Walt Disney World Resort® to showcase their incredible talent, dedication, and spirit. With a record-breaking 1,183 teams from 34 states competing, this year’s championship was not just a competition; it was a celebration of cheerleading excellence, athleticism, and the relentless pursuit of perfection. The air buzzed with excitement as these teams, having qualified at regional competitions throughout 2023, took to the floor to perform routines that were the culmination of countless hours of practice, all under the watchful eyes of the cheerleading world.

Live Oak High School UCA Winners

This championship, a significant event in the cheerleading calendar, has evolved since its inception in 1980 into a prestigious showcase featured on ESPN, bringing together the best high school cheerleaders to compete in categories that test every aspect of their skills, from stunting and tumbling to crowd-leading and overall performance. The anticipation was high as teams like Live Oak High School, Mater Dei High School, and Dutchtown took center stage, each aiming to leave an indelible mark on the judges and the audience.

The results were nothing short of spectacular, with Live Oak High School dazzling in the Large Varsity Division I with a score of 97.4, and Mater Dei High School’s Monarchs reigning supreme in the Small Varsity DI, capturing the title with a score of 96.1, closely followed by the impressive Owasso High School. The level of competition and the sheer talent displayed were a testament to the hard work, passion, and spirit of all the athletes and their coaches, making the 2024 UCA National High School Cheerleading Championship a memorable event that celebrated the very essence of cheerleading.

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2024 UCA National High School Cheerleading Championship Results - Varsity

2024 UCA National High School Cheerleading Championship Results (Varsity Non-Tumbling Results)

2024 UCA National High School Cheerleading Championship Results - Junior Varsity

2024 UCA National High School Cheerleading Championship Results - Junior High

2024 UCA National High School Cheerleading Championship Results - Varsity Non Building

2024 UCA National High School Cheerleading Championship Results - Varsity Coed

2024 UCA National High School Cheerleading Championship Results - Game Day LIVE

2024 UCA National High School Cheerleading Championship Results - Recreational

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Events, Featured, Japan, News

タイトル: 熊本大学の快挙！日本初の世界チアリーディング選手権金メダル

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Kumamoto Universitys Remarkable Achievement Japans First World Cheerleading Championship Gold Medal 2024
07
Jan
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By Steve Pawlyk

Published January 7, 2024

言語/Language

こんにちは、チアリーディングファンのみなさん！今日は、とってもワクワクするニュースをお届けしますよ。熊本大学が、なんと世界チアリーディング選手権で日本初の金メダルを獲得したんです！これはすごい快挙ですよね。

Japanese Kumamoto University Cheerleading World Championships

もちろんです、こちらがその内容を日常的な日本語での翻訳です。

やあ、みんな！今回は、2023年11月に群馬県の高崎アリーナで開催された第11回世界チアリーディング選手権のすごい話をしよう。この大会、コロナの影響でしばらく開催されなかったんだけど、久しぶりに戻ってきて、18カ国から100以上のチームが集まったんだよ。

そしてね、熊本大学チアリーディングクラブの藤森勇気さんが、混合小グループ部門で金メダルを獲得したんだ。これ、日本人としては初めての快挙なんだよ！コロナのせいで練習もままならない中、彼とチームはあきらめずに頑張って、世界大会で目立つ成績を収めたんだ。

高崎はチアリーディングを熱くサポートする街として知られていて、この大会を3回目の開催。競技はエネルギッシュで、創造性とアスリートの才能が詰まったパフォーマンスで、観客を魅了したんだ。

しかも、この大会は第35回全日本大学選手権と同時に行われて、国際的な選手と国内の選手が同じステージで腕を競い合ったんだよ。そのせいで、もっと多くの人が集まって、さらに盛り上がったんだ。

今年の大会の大成功で、もう次の世界選手権への期待も高まっているよ。これからもチアリーディングの世界は、もっとワクワクする展開が待ってるはずだね！

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チームワークは、熊本大学チアリーディングチームが世界選手権で金メダルを獲得する上で重要な要素でした。チームメンバーは高校生から社会人まで幅広く、関東や関西など遠方から集まっていたため、信頼関係の構築と技術の磨き上げが特に重要でした。これは、チアリーディングが個々の技術だけでなく、メンバー全員の協力によって成り立つスポーツであることを示しています。
 
藤森勇気さんは、11回目の世界チアリーディング選手権にて混合小グループ部門で日本代表として参加し、金メダルを獲得しました。彼の成功は、チームメンバー間の強い絆と共同の努力の結果でした。大会中、会場からの「日本！日本！」という声援がチーム全員に力を与え、パフォーマンス終了後の勝利発表時には、チームメンバーとコーチが喜びで抱き合いました。
 
チアリーディングでは、スタントやタンブリングなど、ほとんどの技術が複数人での協力を必要とします。練習や大会でのサポート、意思決定、責任感の共有、指導とフィードバックはチームワークを構築する上で不可欠な要素です。これらの要素は、チームの成功に寄与するだけでなく、個人の成長にも大きく貢献します。日本のチアダンス界では、チームワークが強みとされ、これが国際大会での成功につながっています。
 
Yuki Fujimori Gold Medal

このように、熊本大学チアリーディングチームの成功は、単に技術の高さだけでなく、チームワークという大きな力によってもたらされたものです。彼らの情熱とコミットメントは、学校に誇りをもたらすと同時に、日本のチアリーディング界に新たな光を当てています。

Kumamoto University's Historic Win: Japan's First Gold in World Cheerleading Championships

I’m excited to share the historic achievement of Kumamoto University at the World Cheerleading Championships, where they secured Japan’s first gold medal.

Japanese Kumamoto University Cheerleading World Championships

Event Recap:

The 11th World Cheerleading Championships, held in Takasaki Arena, Japan, in November 2023, was a milestone event. Returning after a COVID-19 hiatus, it drew over 100 teams from 18 countries, showcasing the sport’s global appeal.

Standout performer Yuki Fujimori, from Kumamoto University’s Cheerleading Club, made history in the mixed small group division. Overcoming the pandemic’s challenges, his gold medal win marked a first for Japan in this category and highlighted his resilience and dedication.

This victory was more than just a personal success; it was a significant moment for Japan on the international cheerleading stage. Fujimori’s performance, uplifted by enthusiastic audience support, reflected the sport’s competitive spirit and underscored the importance of teamwork and national pride.

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The Championships also coincided with the 35th Japan National College Championships, creating a unique atmosphere that combined national and international talent. This blend of competitions heightened the excitement and attracted a larger audience, emphasizing cheerleading’s growing recognition as a competitive sport.

Takasaki, known for its vibrant cheerleading community, hosted the event for the third time, providing a perfect setting for the high-energy and creative performances that captivated the audience.

With this year’s championship’s success, anticipation for future World Championships is already building, promising even more thrilling developments in cheerleading.

Yuki Fujimori Gold Medal

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Cheer How-To Series, Extensions, Featured, Tips

Mastering Cheerleading Extensions: A Guide for Flyers with Troublesome Extensions

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mastering-extensions-in-cheerleading-tutorial-tips
15
Sep
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By Steve Pawlyk

Published September 15, 2023

If you’re a cheerleader struggling with extensions, especially as a flyer, you’re not alone. It’s an area that many flyers find challenging, but it’s crucial for nailing your routine and impressing the judges. Today we’re gonna go over how to improve your extensions, with specific reference to a Reddit post that highlights challenges such as balance issues and hypermobility. Let’s jump right in.

cheer-flyer-extension-guide

The Problem with Extensions

A Reddit user recently highlighted a common issue among flyers — difficulty in maintaining balance during two-leg extensions. Whether it’s wobbling, falling forward, or not being able to keep your feet together, these issues can throw off your entire routine.

question from r/cheerleading

The Role of Joint Hypermobility

If you, like the original poster, have excessive joint hypermobility, it’s essential to adapt your technique accordingly. This could mean avoiding locking your knees too tightly, as hyperextension can contribute to imbalance.

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Tips for Flyers Struggling with Extensions

  • Find the Sweet Spot: Balance is about weight distribution. Try to find that perfect balance between your heels and toes.
  • Engage Your Core: This is more than just “squeezing”. Your core muscles are essential for stability.
  • Alignment: Ensure that your hips are stacked over your knees and your knees over your ankles.
  • Feedback from Bases: Communication with your bases can offer vital feedback for improving your form.
  • Practice Low: Try practicing the extension at a lower height to build confidence and fine-tune your form.
  • Foot Position: Experiment with keeping your feet at hip-width versus together to see which offers better stability, gradually moving to the desired position.
  • Consult a Specialist: If hypermobility is a concern, consult a physiotherapist familiar with cheerleading injuries.
cheerleading-flyer-extensions

Takeaway for Coaches

Coaches, if you’re primarily experienced as a base, it may be beneficial to bring in an experienced flyer to provide specific tips to your team. The simple directive to “just squeeze” might not cut it for everyone.

Extensions are a vital part of any cheerleading routine, but they can pose challenges, especially for those new to flying or those with hypermobility. With the right techniques and a bit of focused practice, you can turn your troublesome extensions into a showcase skill. And remember, communication with your team and coach is vital for identifying problems and implementing solutions.

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Events, Featured, News

Will the USA Cheerleading Team be at the 2024 Olympics?

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will-cheerleading-be-in-the-2024-Olympics
26
Jul
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By Steve Pawlyk

Published July 26, 2023

In the world of cheerleading, rumors can tumble around the globe faster than a squad executing a flawless pyramid. The latest? Claims that the USA Cheerleading team will compete at the 2024 Olympics in Paris. However, don’t let your spirits fly too high just yet. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) recently stated that the earliest Olympic games that cheerleading could be a part of would be 2028. Let’s clear the air on this exciting but premature news.

cheerleading-in-the-olympics

Dispelling the Rumors: No Cheerleading in 2024 Olympics

Several prominent cheerleading outlets, and social media posts, set the cheer world alight with stories that the USA Cheerleading team was bound for the 2024 Olympics in Paris. However, despite the enthusiasm, this information is not accurate.

According to the IOC, while cheerleading has been gaining significant traction and recognition in the world of sports, it is not slated to make its Olympic debut in 2024.

Understanding IOC Recognition and Olympic Inclusion

So what does IOC recognition really mean? Essentially, it allows the International Cheer Union (ICU) to receive funding and developmental support. It is an acknowledgment of cheerleading’s evolving stature and influence in the sporting world. However, it is not an immediate ticket to the Olympics.

For a sport to be included in the Olympic program, it must first undergo a process that includes a review of the sport’s global impact, governance, and integrity, among other factors. Once a sport receives provisional recognition (as cheerleading did in 2016), it enters a three-year period where it can apply for inclusion in the Olympic Games. The International Olympic Committee officially recognized cheerleading as a sport in 2021 and the goal is to get it into the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.

There’s a palpable sense of anticipation in the cheer community regarding the sport’s Olympic debut. The IOC’s statement regarding the earliest possible inclusion of cheerleading being 2028 means we may indeed be counting down to seeing the high-flying, energetic routines on the world’s biggest sports stage.

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While the excitement surrounding the news of the USA Cheerleading team competing at the 2024 Olympics in Paris was indeed thrilling, it’s vital to stay informed with accurate information. Cheerleading’s journey to the Olympics is ongoing, and though it may not happen in 2024, the future looks all but certain for the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles, and what better place for the USA Cheer team’s debut than right here at home in the United States.

cheer-olympic-ioc-recognition

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Cheer How-To Series, Featured, Tips

Mastering the Back Walkover: Expert Tips and Drills for Cheerleaders

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Mastering the Back Walkover: Expert Tips and Drills for Cheerleaders
14
Jul
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By Steve Pawlyk

Published July 14, 2023

Today, we’re addressing a common challenge that many cheerleaders face: mastering the back walkover. This skill is a fundamental part of many routines and can be a hurdle for some athletes. Often cheerleaders struggle with back walkovers, despite regular practice and stretching. So let’s dive into some tips and drills that can help you conquer this move.

Understanding the Back Walkover

The back walkover is a gymnastic skill that requires a combination of strength, flexibility, and balance. It involves starting from a standing position, reaching backwards into a bridge, and then kicking over to return to a standing position. The cheerleader who posted her frustration with this on Reddit mentioned that she can fall into a bridge but struggles with the kick over. This suggests that she may need to focus on building strength and improving technique.

Building Strength

While flexibility is crucial for a back walkover, strength is equally important. You need strong shoulders, back, and core muscles to control your body as you kick over from the bridge position. Here are a few exercises to help build this strength:

1. Planks: Planks are excellent for strengthening your core. Try to hold a plank for 30 seconds to a minute, and gradually increase your time as your strength improves.

2. Push-ups: Push-ups can help build shoulder and arm strength. If regular push-ups are too challenging, start with knee push-ups and gradually progress to full push-ups.

3. Bridge push-ups: These target your shoulders, back, and core. Start in a bridge position and try to push your body up and down.

Cheerleader doing pushups to build core strength for back walkovers

Improving Technique

The technique is key in a back walkover. Here are a few drills to help improve your technique:

Spotter assisting a cheerleader during a back walkover practice

1. Bridge kickovers: Start in a bridge position with your feet on an elevated surface like a mat or a step. Kick over one leg at a time. This drill can help you get the feel of the kickover motion.

2. Spotter-assisted back walkovers: Ask a coach or a teammate to spot you as you attempt your back walkover. They can provide support as you kick over, helping you understand the movement and build confidence.

3. Wall walkovers: Stand a few feet away from a wall, facing away from it. Reach back into a bridge against the wall and use it to push off and kick over. This drill can help you practice the kickover motion with some support.

Increasing Flexibility

Even though our cheerleader friend has been stretching daily, she might need to incorporate some specific stretches to increase her back and shoulder flexibility:

1. Doorway stretch: Stand in an open doorway, place your hands on the door frame slightly above your head, and lean forward to stretch your shoulders.

2. Cobra pose: This yoga pose is great for increasing back flexibility. Lie on your stomach, place your hands under your shoulders, and push your upper body off the ground.

3. Bridge stretch: Regularly practicing your bridge can also help improve your flexibility. Try to hold the position for longer periods and work on straightening your legs and pushing your shoulders over your hands.

Cheerleader-demonstrating-the-bridge-position,-a-crucial-starting-point-for-a-back-walkover

Perfecting the Back Walkover: A Detailed Breakdown

The back walkover can be a challenging skill to master, but breaking it down into smaller, more manageable movements can make it easier to understand and execute. Let’s delve into a more detailed explanation of the back walkover, focusing on the bridge position and the transition to the kickover.

Cheerleader performing a plank exercise to build core strength for back walkovers

The Bridge Position

When you’re in the bridge position, it’s important to push your shoulders forward as far as possible. This movement will naturally start to straighten your legs. The goal here is to create a strong, stable base from which you can initiate the kickover.

The Kickover Transition

Once your legs are close to straight, bring one foot in, so one leg is bent and the other is straight. This is the starting position for the kickover. From here, you’ll want to look at your hands and aggressively push the bent leg straight while lifting the other leg up.

It’s crucial to think of this movement less as a “kick” and more as a “push and swing.” You’re pushing through the bent leg so it extends fully, and simultaneously swinging the straight leg up and over. This combination of movements creates the momentum you need to complete the back walkover.

Working with a Spotter

If you’re still finding the back walkover challenging, working with a spotter can be very helpful. They can provide physical support and guidance as you practice the movement, helping you build confidence and improve your technique.

The Bridge Position

When you’re in the bridge position, it’s important to push your shoulders forward as far as possible. This movement will naturally start to straighten your legs. The goal here is to create a strong, stable base from which you can initiate the kickover.

The Kickover Transition

Once your legs are close to straight, bring one foot in, so one leg is bent and the other is straight. This is the starting position for the kickover. From here, you’ll want to look at your hands and aggressively push the bent leg straight while lifting the other leg up.

It’s crucial to think of this movement less as a “kick” and more as a “push and swing.” You’re pushing through the bent leg so it extends fully, and simultaneously swinging the straight leg up and over. This combination of movements creates the momentum you need to complete the back walkover.

Working with a Spotter

If you’re still finding the back walkover challenging, working with a spotter can be very helpful. They can provide physical support and guidance as you practice the movement, helping you build confidence and improve your technique.

You can also practice back walkovers going down a cheese mat (an incline mat) with a spotter. The incline can help make the movement easier by using gravity to assist with the momentum. This can be a great way to get a feel for the back walkover and understand how the movements should flow together.

The Back Walkover vs. The Kickover

Interestingly, many cheerleaders find the back walkover easier to perform than a kickover from a bridge. This is because the momentum going backwards in a back walkover naturally makes your legs follow, making the movement feel more fluid and less forced.

So, if you’re struggling with the kickover, try practicing back walkovers instead. You might find that the backwards momentum helps you understand and execute the movement more easily

Remember, mastering a skill like the back walkover takes time, patience, and lots of practice. Don’t be discouraged if you don’t get it right away. Keep practicing, stay consistent with your strength training and stretching, and don’t hesitate to ask for help from your coach or teammates. You’re not alone in this journey, and with dedication and perseverance, you’ll be able to nail that back walkover in no time 👍

cheerleader practicing a back walkover

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Events, Featured, News

Cheer & Dance Championships will Return to Daytona Beach!

Posted on by Steve Pawlyk
Cheer & Dance Championships will Return to Daytona Beach
03
Jul
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By Steve Pawlyk

Published July 3, 2023

Calling all cheerleaders, dance teams, and coaches! It’s time to pack your pom-poms and prepare your routines as Daytona Beach, the World’s Most Famous Beach, will once again host the prestigious National Cheerleaders Association & National Dance Association Collegiate Cheer and Dance Championship. Thanks to a renewed three-year agreement with the county-run Ocean Center, this major cheer and dance competition is set to continue creating memorable moments against the beautiful backdrop of Daytona Beach.

Since its inaugural year in 1996, this competition has become an end-of-season highlight for cheer and dance teams nationwide. The 2023 edition saw an unprecedented turnout with over 10,000 participants from 450 teams and roughly 20,000 spectators, all contributing to the vibrant, cheer-infused atmosphere of Daytona Beach.

However, the journey to the championship hasn’t always been smooth. With the past year’s tropical storms, Ian and Nicole, event accommodation faced some challenges. Two major hotels were temporarily closed for repairs and renovations, causing room availability to become a pressing issue.

Despite these obstacles, the event organizers and city officials have expressed optimism for the upcoming championships. Bill Boggs, the senior vice president of the National Cheerleaders Association, stated, “We feel good about where we are going into next year and beyond with the availability of rooms that we will need.”

NCA-will-Return-to-Daytona-Beach

Cheer and dance teams, coaches, and spectators alike can look forward to the 2024 championship scheduled for April 8-14. Preparations are underway at Daytona Beach and the Ocean Center to welcome you with open arms.

NCA-Daytona-Beach-2024

Daytona Beach Mayor Derrick Henry and Lori Campbell Baker, executive director of the Daytona Beach Area Convention & Visitors Bureau, have both voiced their excitement for the continued relationship with the cheer and dance championship. It’s not just about the exhilarating performances; it’s also about the positive impact you all bring to the local economy and community.

Bob Davis, president and CEO of the Lodging & Hospitality Association of Volusia County, couldn’t agree more. He praised the championship participants, saying, “It’s a wonderful, well-behaved group that does a great job and they fill the hotels.”

So, cheerleaders, dancers, and coaches, gear up! Your performances, energy, and passion for the sport don’t just electrify the stage but also light up the spirit of the city, its residents, and visitors. Get ready to rock the sands of Daytona Beach with your cheers, flips, and dance moves! See you at the Collegiate Cheer and Dance Championship 2024.

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