Chambers Academy cheerleaders take first place
BY KATIE MCELVY
FOR THE LAFAYETTE SUN
LAFAYETTE — The Chambers Academy JV and Varsity cheerleaders recently attended cheer camp hosted by the Universal Cheerleaders Association at Troy University. Thirty-five teams all from AISA member schools spent the week learning cheers, chants, dances and stunts in preparation of the upcoming football and basketball seasons.
A tradition at UCA camp is to give away an inflatable banana each night. The banana is given to only one team each day. The whole program from Chambers received the banana on the first night. They were chosen by UCA staff for being respectful and having the most spirit.
In addition to learning and perfecting new material, cheerleaders were also evaluated on routines each day and participated in nightly competitions. Both teams earned all superior ribbons for their performances.
One of the most anticipated competitions of camp is always the jump off. This year was no different with over 80 girls competing. Chambers entered two varsity jumpers, Samantha Lovelace and Jersy Richardson while JV entered Harper Hudmon and AnnaBelle Robinson. Both Samantha Lovelace and Jersy Richardson, made the finals which consisted of only four cheerleaders.
On the third day of camp, eight varsity members and eight JV members tried out for UCA All-American. In order to be selected for this prestigious honor, cheerleaders must make a minimum score on jumps, cheer and dance skills. Those selected are announced on the final day of camp. Receiving UCA All-American from JV were Skylar Andrews and AnnaBelle Robinson while Cate Allen, Ansley Carter, Anna Kate Jackson, Samantha Lovelace, Alyssa Reaves, Cambryn Still and Layken Taylor were chosen from the varsity team.
Camp closes with two competitions. The first is a camp dance competition where teams must perform a dance learned that week and incorporate a stunt sequence. The second competition is the Spirit Competition featuring a band chant, sideline and cheer.
The JV team won third place in the Camp Routine Competition. The varsity team brought home first place in the cheer portion of the Spirit Competition.
Individual recognitions were given to several members of the varsity team. Cate Allen, Ansley Carter, Anna Kate Jackson, Ella Pinney, Alyssa Reaves and Cambryn Still were chosen as AISA All-Stars. They will cheer at the AISA All-Star Football Game in December. Finally, two girls were chosen to receive the Pin-It Forward Award. This select group is chosen because they exemplify why America needs cheerleaders. Those chosen for this honor were Sydney Carter and Alyssa Reaves.
The JV team is coached by Katie McElvy, and the varsity team is coached by Laurie Phillips.
