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| Question: Do I need to know tumbling to tryout for a college Cheerleading squad? By Ray Floriani |
Question/Answer
Ray Floriani recently received this e-mail from Ashley Ramos, a senior in high school.
Hi.
I am a senior in high school and my intentions are to try out for college cheerleading.
On one hand I am concerned. I am a good cheerleader, not to be conceited, but
I have good toe touches, good sharp motions, facials, spirit and dedication.
The only thing I'm missing is tumbling. I know a good percentage of college
cheerleading teams require some tumbling. My concern is if I try tumbling and
don't learn it in time. Will I be considered inferior to those who do know tumbling
??? I think I have what it takes to be a college cheerleader and I definitely
know that tumbling does enhance your chances of being on the squad. I'm hoping
to get some private classes in a gym, but I'm worried. If by chance can you
help me ? Thanks a lot!
- Ashley Ramos Senior, Platt High School, Meriden (CT).
Ashley's concern is common among high school cheerleaders who want to get to the next level but are not exposed to tumbling in grade nor high school. Yours truly took Ashley's concern and questions to Jen Hine and Kim Kasics, two seniors on the Rutgers University co-ed squad. A group that requires and utilizes a good deal of tumbling in their routines.
Jen -
"My advice would be to get a co-ed partner and practice tumbling routines. A
lot of high school squads are all-girl so you really have to find a guy to learn
how to stunt and tumbling. In college not all cheerleaders are specialists in
tumbling but to get on a squad it's almost certain you will have to know it
(tumbling) and be able to perform. "
Kim - "Get into a cheer gym not just a health gym. All-Star is one group that runs cheer gyms. You can look for them in the phone book or the best way would be on the Internet. In a cheer gym they will work with you specifically on tumbling and stunting."
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About Ray Floriani: Ray Floriani has been writing college basketball for over twenty years. He is a columnist with Eastern Basketball magazine, Basketball Times and College Hoops Insider. In 1998 he was cited by the Gazelle Group for his work in covering the Coaches vs. Cancer events and was chosen 1999 NIT Media Man of the Year. Contact Ray Floriani.
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