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Torrey Pines High School Cheer Squad: Triumph at the CIF San Diego Section Championship

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04
Jan
Steve Blog Circle

Byline Steve Pawlyk

Steve Blog Circle

Byline Steve Pawlyk

By Steve Pawlyk

Published January 4, 2024

The Torrey Pines High School cheer squad etched their name in history on December 2nd by clinching the prestigious CIF San Diego Section championship. This victory was not just a testament to their athletic prowess but also a culmination of dedication, team spirit, and relentless hard work.

@fitness_cheer Torrey Pines High School #torreypines ♬ original sound – FitnessCheer


Journey to the Championship

In an astounding display of athleticism and team spirit, the Torrey Pines High School competitive cheer squad clinched the CIF San Diego Section championship in the Small Group Division II. The event, held at Montgomery High School on December 2nd, witnessed the Falcons showcasing a flawless routine that earned them this prestigious title.

Renowned for their impeccable performances, the team’s winning routine was a product of creative collaboration. Choreographed by Anna Haskell, a former NFL cheerleader and collegiate dancer, the music routine resonated with dynamism and energy. Complementing this, the cheer choreography, crafted by Head Coach Olivia Bogert, who also teaches AP literature and creative writing at Torrey Pines, added layers of sophistication and technique to the performance.

The Championship Day

On December 2nd, the Torrey Pines High School competitive cheer squad delivered a breathtaking performance at the CIF San Diego Section championship in Small Group Division II, held at Montgomery High School. Their routine, a blend of stunts, tumbling, jumping, dancing, and chants, was meticulously crafted over months of preparation. The choreography prepared by Anna Haskell and Head Coach Olivia Bogert, highlighted their exceptional skill in execution, technique, and difficulty. This performance not only won them the championship title but also marked their first victory in Traditional Cheer Competition and their first playoff appearance since competitive cheer was recognized as a sport. Their success at this event is a historic milestone for Torrey Pines and sets the stage for their next challenge: the CIF State Championships.

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The CIF Regional Cheer Championships, a gathering of 56 high school squads from across San Diego, is the arena where these teams vied for the top spot at various levels. Torrey Pines High School, standing out among these contenders, marked a historic moment by winning their first Traditional Cheer Competition championship. This victory was even more significant as it was their first playoff appearance since competitive cheer was acknowledged as a sport by the California Interscholastic Federation.

The rigorous preparation for this championship started in early October, with the team dedicating three to four sessions weekly after school and on weekends. Their two-and-a-half-minute routine, encompassing stunts, tumbling, jumping, dancing, and chants, was evaluated on execution, technique, and the difficulty degree. This dedicated preparation period was instrumental in honing their skills to perfection.

With this remarkable achievement, the Torrey Pines competitive cheer team is now gearing up for the next challenge – the CIF State Championships, scheduled at Mira Costa High School in Manhattan Beach, California, on January 27th. Here, they will compete against the top high school cheer teams in the state, aiming to add a California championship title to their accolades.

This triumph not only underscores the team’s exceptional talent and hard work but also sets a new standard of excellence for the Torrey Pines High School cheer program. As they prepare for the upcoming state championships, the squad carries with them the momentum of this victory and the support and pride of their school and community.

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Featured, Tips

Leadership in Cheer: Overcoming Disruptions in Team Dynamics

Posted on by Steve Pawlyk
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31
Jul
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Byline Steve Pawlyk

Steve Blog Circle

Byline Steve Pawlyk

By Steve Pawlyk

Published July 31, 2023

As a co-captain of a cheer team, leadership can bring about rewarding, yet challenging experiences. Your responsibilities stretch beyond the execution of stunts and cheers. You serve as a role model, motivator, and mediator for the team. But what happens when a teammate challenges your authority? How do you handle a fellow cheerleader who refuses to acknowledge your leadership?

This scenario is more common than you may think, and one such case surfaced recently from a young co-captain seeking advice on Reddit. The co-captain expressed her frustrations with a team member, “A,” who persistently ignored her instructions and undermined her authority, causing ripples in the team’s harmony. This article will take a closer look at the issue and explore practical advice to handle such situations, optimizing your leadership skills to create a harmonious team environment.

Leadership-in-Cheer

Understanding the Core Issue

The first step in resolving this issue is understanding the underlying problem. Why is “A” behaving in this manner? If there are no evident reasons like personal disputes, it’s possible “A” could be feeling insecure or threatened by your leadership role. The age difference might also be a factor, as often, people find it challenging to respect and follow someone younger.

To address this, communication is key. In a neutral and calm manner, engage “A” in a one-on-one conversation to understand her perspective. During the conversation, express your observations about her behavior and listen actively to her responses. This open dialogue can help identify the root cause and pave the way for resolution. Ensure that you remain calm, composed, and respectful, regardless of her reaction.

Seeking the Coach’s Assistance

If the issue persists despite your efforts, it may be time to involve your coach. Set up a meeting with your coach and “A” to discuss the issue further. Your coach’s presence can provide a neutral perspective and facilitate constructive discussion. Involving the coach can also show your seriousness about resolving the situation, which might prompt “A” to change her behavior.

Strengthening Your Leadership Skills

As a co-captain, it’s crucial to continue enhancing your leadership abilities. Attending cheer camps and taking leadership classes can be beneficial in improving your skills. Share your experiences with other leaders and learn from their insights to handle similar situations better.

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Encouraging a Positive Team Culture

Ensure that your team culture promotes respect and inclusivity. Encourage every team member to respect the leadership roles and decisions. Foster open communication and collaboration, allowing team members to express their ideas and concerns.

It’s also worth setting ground rules about behavior during practice sessions and ensuring that everyone understands and adheres to them. This step can prevent similar incidents in the future and create a more cooperative team environment.

Dealing with uncooperative teammates can be a challenging aspect of cheerleading leadership. However, these experiences can also provide valuable opportunities to enhance your leadership skills and cultivate a stronger, more unified team. Remember to approach the situation with understanding, patience, and respect, as this will lay the groundwork for resolving the issue and rebuilding the bond within your team.

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Cheer How-To Series, Featured, Info, Mental Health, Tips

New to Cheer: Overcoming Initial Challenges and Winning over your Teammates

Posted on by Steve Pawlyk
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11
Jul
Steve Blog Circle

Byline Steve Pawlyk

Steve Blog Circle

Byline Steve Pawlyk

By Steve Pawlyk

Published July 11, 2023

Today’s topic is inspired by a question we stumbled upon on Reddit, posted by a new cheerleader who is feeling ostracized and disrespected by their team. To the poster and any other cheerleaders finding themselves in a similar situation, this article is for you.

Being the new person in any team or group can be intimidating and often daunting, and cheerleading teams are no exception. But before you start questioning if this “cold shoulder” treatment is a universal cheerleading phenomenon, let’s unpack your experience and offer some insights.

new-to-cheer-team-reddit-post

Understanding the Dynamics

Cheerleading, like any sport, requires a certain degree of skill, discipline, and hard work. When you join a team where the majority of members have been together for a while, they’ve already formed a certain bond and rhythm. The frustration you’re experiencing might not be a personal disregard towards you, but instead, the team members grappling with adjusting to a new addition.

cheer-bullying-and-overcoming-it

Building Your Skills

You mentioned that you are still learning the basics. Cheerleading involves a lot of practice and precision in skills like jumps, kicks, cheers, and more. If you’re struggling with these, remember that all cheerleaders were beginners at some point. Keep practicing, seek help from your coach or teammates, and stay patient with your progress. The more competent you become, the more you’ll likely feel integrated into the team.

Communication is Key

It’s essential to express your feelings if you’re comfortable doing so. Talk to your coach or even a teammate you feel slightly closer to. You’re a part of the team, and your feelings matter. If the situation doesn’t improve after voicing your concerns, you might need to reconsider if this particular team is the right fit for you.

Initiate Interaction

Since you mentioned you are pretty shy, it might be a challenge for you to take the initiative. But remember, little steps can lead to significant changes. Start by saying ‘hi’ to your teammates, ask them about their day, or cheer them on during practice. They might just need to see a bit more of your personality to start warming up to you.

Addressing Bullying within the Team

While we’re hopeful that the situations we’ve previously discussed are simply team dynamics at play, we must address a more severe concern: bullying. Bullying – whether it’s verbal, physical, or through exclusion – is completely unacceptable in any environment, including cheerleading teams.

Recognizing Bullying

Bullying can manifest in many ways. It could be consistent negative remarks about your performance, exclusion from team activities, or any behavior designed to make you feel uncomfortable, humiliated, or unwanted. Recognizing bullying behavior can sometimes be difficult, especially if it’s subtle or if the majority of the team participates in, or is indifferent to it.

Stand Up and Speak Out

If you suspect bullying, it’s essential to stand up against it. Confront the individuals involved if you feel safe doing so. However, this may not always be possible, particularly when there’s a significant power dynamic at play, or if the bullying is widespread within the team.

Seek Help from Trusted Authorities

In such cases, reach out to your coach or another trusted adult and explain your situation. It’s crucial to be as specific as possible in describing what you’ve experienced and who was involved. Remember, it’s not tattling or overreacting. Coaches, team advisors, and school authorities have a responsibility to ensure a safe, respectful, and supportive environment for all team members.

Building a Positive Team Culture

In an ideal world, all cheerleading teams would foster a culture of respect, encouragement, and inclusivity. A healthy team encourages its members to uplift each other, celebrates individual and team successes, and treats each other with kindness and respect. Bullying has no place in this environment.

new-to-cheer-overcoming-and-winning-over-your-teammates

Don’t Suffer in Silence

Feeling like your team dislikes you or enduring consistent bullying can be incredibly painful and isolating. Please, don’t suffer in silence. Reach out to your family, friends, or mental health professionals who can provide support and guidance. You deserve to be treated with respect, and it’s important to prioritize your well-being over any sport or activity.

Remember, being part of a cheerleading team should be a positive experience that nurtures camaraderie, skills, and mutual respect. Bullying should never be tolerated, and it’s important to address it head-on to protect your mental and emotional health. Remember, you have the right to cheer in a safe, supportive environment.

new-to-cheer

Cheerleaders: A Diverse and Inclusive Community

In response to the query, “Is this just how all cheerleaders are?” – Absolutely not. Cheerleading attracts a diverse group of individuals, and it’s unfair to stereotype all cheerleaders based on the actions of a few. Just like any sport or community, there will be individuals and teams that exhibit negative behavior, but these do not represent the cheerleading community as a whole.

The heart of cheerleading lies in teamwork, camaraderie, and mutual respect. Countless cheer teams around the world exhibit these values daily, creating inclusive, supportive environments where each member is valued and respected. If you’re in a situation where this isn’t the case, know that this is not the norm, nor should it be acceptable.

Cheerleading – A Sport of Team Spirit

At its core, cheerleading is all about team spirit. Every cheerleader, whether seasoned or a newbie, contributes to the overall energy and performance of the team. If you’re feeling ignored or disrespected, that’s not reflective of the true ethos of cheerleading. Rest assured, this is not the universal experience for all cheerleaders.

To wrap up, you’re not alone in your feelings of alienation as a new member. It’s a common experience that extends beyond cheerleading and into many areas of life. Be patient with yourself, keep improving your skills, and try opening channels of communication. Soon enough, you’ll hit your stride, and hopefully, your team will recognize and appreciate the unique value you bring to the table. Keep cheering!

Steve Pawlyk Signature Full

Need Competition Music Blue

IPP's Premade Mixes are USA Cheer Compliant and customizable!  Add Sound FX, swap songs, & more!  Add your Team Name to the mix for only $10! 

SLAM artwork
Full_Out_130 mp3 image
1 minute cheer mix
WAKE UP THE FIRE
SLAM artwork
WAKE UP THE FIRE
Full_Out_130 mp3 image
1 minute cheer mix
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