Cheerleaders on Okinawa practice, practice, practice for better performance

Photo By Cpl. Shelby Shields | Kubasaki cheerleading head coach, Magan Stahl, instructs members of the Junior Varsity squad on the proper techniques of a cradle. A cradle is a dismount from a stunt in which the base or bases toss the top person straight up from a stationary stunt and then catch her in a cradle position.  

OKINAWA, OKINAWA, JAPAN

09.11.2009

Story by Lance Cpl. Shelby Shields 

III Marine Expeditionary Force   

OKINAWA, Japan - The cheerleaders at Kubasaki High School on Camp Foster say it takes a lot of hard work to be cheerleaders.

"A lot of people claim that cheerleading isn't a sport, but I ... say that it is," said Sarina Wolfgang, 17, co-captain of the Kubasaki Varsity cheerleading squad.

"Cheerleaders are stronger than most other athletes because we have to lift other athletes, and are extremely loud and can go all game and not lose their voices," said the Jacksonville, N.C., native.

Cheerleading is more than football games and pom poms.

Most high school cheerleading squads have a competition season all their own, and the Kubasaki cheerleaders are no exception.

This year Kubasaki cheerleaders will attend a cheerleading camp hosted by the National Cheerleaders Association. The week-long camp teaches new material and fundamentals of cheerleading. Kubasaki's camp concludes with a competition in which teams from the Pacific Region compete for the Far East title. The team will also compete in the annual American School In Japan Cheerleading Competition in Tokyo, which happens every February.

To prepare for games and competitions, the girls at Kubasaki practice for two-and-a-half hours, four to five times a week.

During practices, the cheerleaders learn new chants, cheers and dances for halftime routines. They also learn new tumbling and stunting skills.

"The most rewarding part of cheerleading is watching the girls grow in a productive way," Wolfgang said. "Whenever we teach something new and one of them finally gets it, it is amazing to watch how supportive all of us are for each other."

In addition to practices, the team holds fundraisers to ensure every girl is able to attend the camps and competitions.

"In order to afford the expenses associated with cheerleading and attending Far East and ASIJ competitions, our girls must fundraise quite a bit," said Magan Stahl, Kubasaki cheerleading head coach and part-time teacher.

The school provides transportation for the squad to their competitions. However, other expenses like hotel and competition entry fees are the responsibility of individual cheerleaders. The squad tries to hold at least two fundraising events per month, such as golf tournaments, youth cheer camps and car washes, Stahl said.

"We are always grateful for the support we receive during our fundraisers," Stahl said.

Cheerleaders at Kubasaki are held to a much higher standard than the many stereotypes placed on them, and are expected to uphold these standards both in and out of uniform, Stahl said.

"As cheerleaders, we represent our school and sport. Our actions are judged on the field and off. I constantly remind my girls that the choices they make affect the entire squad," Stahl said. "I expect the cheerleaders to exemplify leadership, academic responsibility, a positive attitude, dedication and hard work."

Even though there are countless hours of preparation, planning and practice put into a competitive cheerleading squad, the Kubasaki cheerleaders manage to keep true smiles on their faces and a pep in their step.

"We have a great group of young women this year, and they have already exceeded my expectations. The girls work really well together, and it's obvious that they care about each other and the success of the squad," Stahl said.

For more information about the Kubasaki cheerleaders, contact [e-mail].

• Date Taken: 09.11.2009
• Date Posted: 09.20.2009 22:00
• Story ID: 39058
• Location: OKINAWA, OKINAWA, JP