NewsAthleticsUpper School
Cheerleaders earn honors at UCA Camp
Jul 17, 2006 9:35 AM
By Tannika King - Faculty
Darlington’s varsity and junior varsity cheerleading squads garnered honors at a UCA (Universal Cheerleading Association) Camp held June 6 to 9 at the University of Alabama. Approximately 1,200 cheerleaders from 74 squads in Louisiana, Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee, Mississippi and Florida attended the camp.
“Camp is a great place to try new ideas and get out of our comfort zone,” said Angela Pieroni, varsity coach. “We also like to see how we compare with squads from other schools. Many of these schools are much larger, and that gives us a real barometer of where we stand … Since we have not participated in regional competitions for many years, camp also gives us the thrill of competing and seeing immediate rewards for our hard work.”
Cheerleaders are evaluated during each day of camp – the first evaluation being day one in “home pom,” a routine they choreograph and practice at school before they leave to attend the camp. Each day after that, the squads learn new material on which they are later evaluated. Darlington’s varsity squad placed in the cheer division, while junior varsity placed in cheer, home pom and dance. Both squads won Superior Awards for daily evaluations and returned with spirit sticks.
“My favorite part of camp had to be the adrenaline rush we all had right before competing in Camp Champs on the final day,” said senior Christie Doss, next year’s varsity captain. “Once it was time to go out and do our dance and cheer, everyone was really determined and excited … We got out there, stuck our stunts, and were sharper and more energetic than ever.
“I feel that attending these camps with squads from all over the Southeast is the ultimate eye-opener. If we were to stay in Rome and have our own private camp, we would learn a lot, but we wouldn’t get a taste of the intense competition against more than 70 other squads,” Doss continued. “Not only did we get to know each other on a more personal level, but camp also brought us together on a very emotional level.”
Two Darlington cheerleaders were recognized at the end of UCA Camp. Freshman Payton Payne was named toe-touch champion for the junior high/junior varsity division, and Doss was one of 10 All-Stars selected from the pool of 1,200.
The top cheerleaders from each squad are invited to compete for the honor of being named All-Star, which gives them the opportunity to cheer in a parade at either Walt Disney World or in London, depending on their grade level, according to the UCA Web site.
“I was beyond excited because all of my competitors were extremely talented girls,” said Doss. “Knowing that made the award mean so much more.”
Payne felt the same. “I went into the competition not expecting to win anything, so I was really surprised. There were so many great girls competing, and I was honored to win it,” she said. “The whole camp experience created lasting friendships and improved our skills. We had a great time.”
“Camp is a great place to try new ideas and get out of our comfort zone,” said Angela Pieroni, varsity coach. “We also like to see how we compare with squads from other schools. Many of these schools are much larger, and that gives us a real barometer of where we stand … Since we have not participated in regional competitions for many years, camp also gives us the thrill of competing and seeing immediate rewards for our hard work.”
Cheerleaders are evaluated during each day of camp – the first evaluation being day one in “home pom,” a routine they choreograph and practice at school before they leave to attend the camp. Each day after that, the squads learn new material on which they are later evaluated. Darlington’s varsity squad placed in the cheer division, while junior varsity placed in cheer, home pom and dance. Both squads won Superior Awards for daily evaluations and returned with spirit sticks.
“My favorite part of camp had to be the adrenaline rush we all had right before competing in Camp Champs on the final day,” said senior Christie Doss, next year’s varsity captain. “Once it was time to go out and do our dance and cheer, everyone was really determined and excited … We got out there, stuck our stunts, and were sharper and more energetic than ever.
“I feel that attending these camps with squads from all over the Southeast is the ultimate eye-opener. If we were to stay in Rome and have our own private camp, we would learn a lot, but we wouldn’t get a taste of the intense competition against more than 70 other squads,” Doss continued. “Not only did we get to know each other on a more personal level, but camp also brought us together on a very emotional level.”
Two Darlington cheerleaders were recognized at the end of UCA Camp. Freshman Payton Payne was named toe-touch champion for the junior high/junior varsity division, and Doss was one of 10 All-Stars selected from the pool of 1,200.
The top cheerleaders from each squad are invited to compete for the honor of being named All-Star, which gives them the opportunity to cheer in a parade at either Walt Disney World or in London, depending on their grade level, according to the UCA Web site.
“I was beyond excited because all of my competitors were extremely talented girls,” said Doss. “Knowing that made the award mean so much more.”
Payne felt the same. “I went into the competition not expecting to win anything, so I was really surprised. There were so many great girls competing, and I was honored to win it,” she said. “The whole camp experience created lasting friendships and improved our skills. We had a great time.”
